Paul George returned for the Sixers on Wednesday after serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, and Philadelphia came away with the 157-137 victory over the Bulls. Prior to the game, Tony Jones of The Athletic broke down five crucial aspects that the team has been missing in George’s absence.
The number one attribute George brings to the table at this point is his perimeter defense, Jones writes, given his ability to guard larger forwards due to the weight he’s added over the years. Jones also highlights his perimeter shooting and how his presence allows other plays to slot into their natural roles more smoothly.
After the game, George spoke about the rest of the year, per Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports (Twitter link), saying that his goal is to play in all nine remaining regular season games, assuming his body allows him to do so. He added that he felt more explosive in his return than he did prior to the suspension.
We have more from around the Atlantic Division:
- Sixers center Joel Embiid was also back in action on Wednesday following a 13-game absence due to an oblique strain. He scored 35 points in the blowout victory over Chicago, adding seven assists and six rebounds. After the victory, he spoke to reporters about how his body felt. “My knees haven’t been an issue for a long time. That’s past me,” Embiid said, via PHLY Sports (Twitter video link). “The oblique was very tricky, and it still is tricky. Really nothing you can do about it, gotta let it ride and hope it doesn’t get worse.”
- Knicks head coach Mike Brown says key reserve Miles McBride has begun scrimmaging as he continues his rehab from sports hernia surgery, according to SNY’s Ian Begley (Twitter link). The defensive-minded guard is listed as out for Thursday’s game against the Hornets, but James L. Edwards III of The Athletic speculates (via Twitter) that Sunday’s game against the Thunder could be the day he returns to action. McBride, who had been having a career year, hasn’t played since January 27.
- Jayson Tatum‘s reintegration into the Celtics mid-season has gone as well as could be hoped, but there are still moments of frustration for the six-time All-Star, as he expressed earlier this week. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps talks to Celtics coaches and NBA insiders to get their takes on how much of his usual form Tatum will be able to regain for this year’s playoff run. “I think they’re the best team in the East,” one rival assistant coach said. “I don’t think him being back helps now, but I think it will help in the playoffs. He just doesn’t look like he has confidence in that leg yet. (But) if you let him shoot spot-up jumpers and rhythm looks, he’ll be good.”
Let’s go, Deuce!
Sixers scoring 157 pts in a win. With no Maxey playing. Shows what could have been.
Embiid with 35 pts. George with 28 pts.
It shows how bad the Bulls are.
Yeah that’s true. Still as a Sixer fan.,Which I’m not. Makes me wonder of what could have been. Who knows if these two will ever be right.
It also shows how Embiid and Paul George play better (actually play) without Maxey. Maxey has been carrying the team all season long and keeping it afloat while Joel is always injured (notice how he avoided all games against the Spurs), and George the same, sans some time (Joel misses even more games), plus the 25 game suspension.
Maxey’s backpacking resulted in broken hand. Now, Joel can shoot the 30 shots a game he likes so much (even with Maxey playing he still is the one who takes the most shots).
Anyway, it has always been like that… someone has to carry through the RS, and the important thing is to be well for the playoffs…
Looking forward to Duece coming back. Time to solidify that 2nd seed. Thunder is a big test. Should be a full squad. Let’s see what we got.
J Tatum has looked good. Have to admire his commitment. He is not the same player. Getting into game shape takes awhile. Don’t rush it player, All about long term. Celtics will be a tough out.
Al, typing out the boxscore and acting like it’s hoops knowledge.
GhostofThomasHamilton
March 26, 2026
Al, typing out the boxscore and acting like it’s hoops knowledge.
Muting the oerson you call out by name is what. UFnon. Cowards all have clown acts.
Making a statement about a game is knowledge to you. I guess so.
Joel Embiid becomes Wilt when he faces the Bulls in his career.
Embid’s talent is unquestionable.
Other than that it’s been a clown show. The 1st half of his career, he was out of shape and overweight. Reported many times that his dietary habits were that of a mall rat. Fast food and Popeyes every day resulting in overtaxed, injured lower body (feet,knees).He’s matured somewhat but the ship had already sailed. Shame.