Paul George Returns to Form with Stellar Play
Paul George looked like a different player after his 25-game suspension, returning to form with stellar play. On May 22, 2026, the Sixers' season came to a close, and George's performance was a key factor in their success.
George played 41 games in his first season with the Sixers, but struggled to get by defenders off the dribble. He was much better early on in the 2025-26 season, but the star-level scoring outbursts remained far and few between.
The primary issue through George's first year and change in Philadelphia was his inability to get by defenders off the dribble. However, after his suspension, George looked like a new player from a mobility perspective, averaging 21.0 points per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from long range on 8.2 three-point attempts per game.
George put on a defensive clinic early, then got hot as a scorer, making the three biggest plays of the game all in a row to cap off the Sixers' win in Charlotte on March 29, 2026. He finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and four steals.
George was not necessarily getting to the rim at will, but he was self-creating shots at the basket at a far more efficient clip. It was just enough to set defenders up for the pull-up jumpers George loves, and his shot-making skill-still elite for a wing of his size-was ignited.
The Sixers' first-round series comeback against the Boston Celtics was a thrilling moment for the team, and George's performance was a key factor in their success. Although they were swept by the New York Knicks in the second round, George's play was a positive note to end the season on.
George's suspension was a shocking turn of events, but it seemed to be exactly what he needed from a physical perspective. He said before making his return that the time off was exactly what he needed, and his performance on the court backed up his words.
The future looks bright for George and the Sixers, and fans will be eager to see what next season holds. With George back to his old self, the team will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs.
On May 22, 2026, the Sixers' season came to a close, but George's performance will be remembered as a highlight of the year. He averaged 21.0 points per game after his suspension, and his play was a key factor in the team's success.
The percentage of George's shot attempts within three feet of the basket during the playoffs was 5.6, but he was still able to self-create shots at the basket at a far more efficient clip. His shot-making skill was ignited, and he looked like a new player from a mobility perspective.
George's return to form was a welcome sight for Sixers fans, and his performance will be a key factor in the team's success next season. With his stellar play, the Sixers will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs