Paul George delivered a dominant performance in his first matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers since his blockbuster trade to Boston, scoring 36 points on efficient 14-of-22 shooting to lead the Celtics to a decisive 123-101 victory. The game featured a star-studded lineup including Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, yet George emerged as the standout performer. He seized control in the fourth quarter, draining crucial shots to close out the contest and silence any doubts about his fit in the Celtics’ system.
Former coach admits Celtics star’s crafty scoring was expected in Boston’s 123-101 win
76ers head coach Nick Nurse, who coached George for two seasons, offered immediate praise for his former player’s offensive execution. Nurse acknowledged that George’s ability to create his own shot is a defining trait that remains effective regardless of the team he plays for. “First of all, give him credit. He’s pretty crafty at getting open,” Nurse stated, highlighting the veteran forward’s skill set. The comments underscore that Philadelphia’s decision to trade George was driven by roster construction needs rather than a decline in his individual talent.
The trade itself was a strategic move by Philadelphia to acquire Jaylen Brown, who averaged 29 points, seven rebounds, and five assists during his All-NBA Second Team campaign. While the 76ers aimed to upgrade their roster with Brown’s explosive playmaking, the Celtics have already demonstrated that George remains a top-tier offensive threat. His 36-point outing serves as a clear indicator that Boston’s decision to switch up its frontcourt was a calculated risk that is paying immediate dividends, establishing George as a central pillar of the Celtics’ 2026-27 season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
