There was a lot of talk about the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown drama heading into last night's Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers game. But as it turns out, they were each just side characters in the latest episode of The Paul George Show (with the theme song being "Didn't Cha Know" by Erykah Badu, of course).
Not that it wasn't mentioned at all, but what was lost in the buildup to last night's game was that it was also George's first time playing in Philadelphia since the trade. It was a revenge game for him, and he delivered big time.
Paul George was sensational against his former team
George was incredible right out the gate, but he really turned it up another level late in the game.
In the win, the California native recorded a game-high 36 points while shooting 14-for-22 from the field and 6-for-11 from beyond the arc, five rebounds, and a steal in 30 minutes. And in the fourth quarter, he scored 14 points straight on 5-for-7 shooting (3-for-4 from deep).
George was having his way against the 76ers. He was creating his own shot. He was driving to the basket. He was scoring off the pass. He was putting the ball in the basket however he wanted to (he also had an incredible and-one when posting up Tyrese Maxey).
The Fresno State alum was also doing what he has been doing with the Celtics. He played incredible defense, moved the ball around, and was active on the glass.
Boston got some great performances from guys like Jayson Tatum (21 points, 8-for-17 FG, 3-for-7 3FG, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks in 32 minutes) and Payton Pritchard (18 points, 7-for-15 FG, 4-for-8 3FG, six rebounds, five assists, one steal in 30 minutes), but make no mistake about it: this was George's night.
Paul George is proving he has a lot left in the tank
George had been in "washed" conversations for the past few years, and nobody would blame you if you bought into that. Injuries were a big concern with him, and he was getting older. His production had declined over the years. And he was long removed from his Indiana Pacers/Oklahoma City Thunder days. (He also started a podcast, which didn't inspire confidence that his heart was completely in the game.)
But the Celtics saw it firsthand in the playoffs last season, and they're seeing it firsthand again (just on the other side): George is still a great basketball player and has a lot left in the tank.
The 36-year-old has been fantastic for the Celtics all season. He is having a resurgence in Boston, and he is playing incredible basketball right now. George is a great fit with the Celtics, and he proves that on a nightly basis.
It's fair to question the decision that led to George coming to Boston, but a few weeks into the season, it's starting to look like maybe it was the right call all along.
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