Taking the reigns of the Sixers’ offense in the absence of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, Paul George scored just two points in an abysmal lack of effort against the actively tanking Brooklyn Nets.
Following a despicable loss to a vastly undermanned Toronto Raptors team, the Philadelphia 76ers traveled north to Brooklyn, hoping to end their losing streak. Instead, the Sixers simply
What worked for the Sixers
Kelly Oubre Jr. has so often been the stabilizing force for this Sixers team. He has not been perfect; in fact, he’s consistently flawed, but he’s also consistently willing to do whatever the team needs of him, which translates to a positive impact night after night.
In the past, Oubre has been quick to fall in love with his own game and take shot after shot after shot when the opportunity presented itself. Against Brooklyn, Oubre took 16 shots en route to his 30-point performance, but this was not “Kelly-ball,” Oubre’s shot diet was rich in cutting and working his way to the rim and the free-throw line. Pepper in a couple of catch-and-shoot three-point shots, and Oubre had perhaps the best offensive performance of his career when the Sixers needed him.
Another Sixer who rose to the occasion was Quentin Grimes, who has been a Sixer for eight days. Grimes has consistently been one of the Sixers’ top players since arriving, averaging 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists leading into this game while immediately becoming one of the team’s top point of attack defenders and their secondary playmaker.
Without Tyrese Maxey, Grimes entered the starting lineup and, like Oubre, had one of the best performances of his career.
Finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three stocks (steals and blocks), Grimes continues to work diligently. Something alien this Sixers season.
What didn’t work
For Philadelphia, it’s not a matter of what didn’t work but rather who didn’t.
Paul George was not brought in to be the third option in Philadelphia. He was brought in to help carry the load and elevate this team to contention status. When one or more of his co-stars are unable to carry their burden, it’s up to George to carry them while needed. The inverse is true as well.
On a night without both Embiid and Maxey, George neglected his obligation and instead explored the court in Brooklyn for 37 minutes. Scoring just two points is unacceptable. Taking only seven shots is unacceptable.
In the interest of fairness, Paul George’s injury, which is often tossed to the side as a “pinky” injury, is, in reality, a tear. If that injury is truly causing George such issues, if he is truly injured to such a degree and not just hurt, then George should simply move up the surgery that is likely coming this offseason and have it now.
“It is what it is,” George told USA Today’s Ky Carlin of his injured finger postgame. “I’m gonna have to always play like this. I just gotta work around it. Hopefully, the splint gets smaller and smaller and the pinky has a little bit more range and mobility as opposed to just being in the air all game so I doubt things will change in five games, but just it is what it is again, at this point.”
For now, if George insists on taking the court, he will continue to be held responsible for his performance. Conversely, if George continues to play like this, the Sixers should shut down George as soon as possible.
Up next for the Sixers
Thankfully, a long break.
The Sixers will take the next week away from the hardwood before hosting the Boston Celtics on Thursday, Feb. 20.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and you can catch the game on TNT or listen live, as always, at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
