Posted on by

Paul George scores 23 points to wow NBA fans in 76ers’ preseason debut against T-Wolves | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Paul George scores 23 points to wow NBA fans in 76ers’ preseason debut against T-Wolves | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

The Philadelphia 76ers lost their preseason game to the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-111 on Friday, but the final score doesn’t matter much this time of year.

But Paul George seems ready to play a starring role in his new team.

George finished the game with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal while shooting 8 of 15 from the field and 4 of 9 from deep in his preseason debut. He led the 76ers in scoring while Joel Embiid was out, although Tyrese Maxey also impressed with 21 points and two assists behind 7-of-14 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 from deep.

Philadelphia took advantage of George this offseason in part because they believed he could be successful alongside Embiid and Maxey, and that’s exactly what he did next to the guard on Friday.

And there were plenty of reactions on social media:

Josh Reynolds @JoshReynolds24

I don’t think people realize how big of a deal it is that the Sixers replaced Tobias Harris with Paul George

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba

When you see Paul George in person, you can see why so many young people imitate and idolize him. The ability is simply rare, coupled with the size

Hoop Central @TheHoopCentral

Paul George tonight:
23 PTS – 6 REB – 53% FG
Tyrese Maxey tonight:
21 PTS – 50% FG – 4.7. 3:00 p.m
This duo will be a problem. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mZjaTuSw2A

Paul Hudrick @Paul Hudrick

Paul George attempted eight three-pointers in the first half. The man he replaces in the starting lineup attempted eight three-pointers in a full game four times last season.

Geo @sixersgeo

Paul George, we’re going to pour cheesesteak sauce on your goat

Kenlovehoops @Kenlovehoops

By the way, Paul George is the third option

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin

Tyrese Maxey and Paul George were very effective in the third quarter. It’s easy to see how well George can complement both Maxey and Joel Embiid on offense. #Sixers

dazed @dazed

If Paul George continues to play like this… teams could have problems with Philly

There was some risk for the 76ers when it came to signing George to a max deal this offseason. After all, he’s only played more than 56 games once in the last five seasons, which is concerning since Embiid has also struggled with injuries so often throughout his career.

Still, the team needed to add another hitting option if it wanted to compete with the likes of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and others in an Eastern Conference particularly fraught with playoff threats.

George is a six-time All-NBA selection, nine-time All-Star selection and four-time All-Defensive selection. He can guard multiple positions, attack the basket from the jump, and strike from beyond the arc when defenses break down against Embiid and Maxey.

The 76ers will need him to perform to his potential throughout the season if they want to live up to expectations, and Friday’s preseason performance could be an indication of things to come.