76ers' Paul George Felt 'Rusty' in Injury Return, Talks Potential Minutes Increase
Philadelphia 76ers veteran forward Paul George provided some insight into how he felt after making his season debut on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after the Sixers' 110-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, George said, "It felt great. It felt great to finally play basketball again. Been like eight months since I played, so it was a long journey. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of hiccups … but felt good to finally get out there, and I felt good. Rusty, but I felt good."
George underwent offseason arthroscopic knee surgery in July, which prompted a lengthy road to recovery, as he missed the first 12 games of the 2025-26 campaign.
On Monday, George played 21 minutes in total, recording nine points on 2-of-9 shooting, plus seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Per ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Sixers were measured in how they utilized George, playing him "in roughly five-minute stints at the start of all four quarters."
It stands to reason that George's playing time will increase as he continues to get healthier and more comfortable, but the 35-year-old veteran told reporters that it would depend on "his work with the team's medical staff and seeing how his body responds."
The Sixers trailed by as much as 13 in Monday's game, and by as much as 10 in the fourth quarter, but they came from behind to secure the victory.
While George did not play for the final 8:52 of the game, he figures to be a much bigger part of crunch-time situations moving forward.
George is a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection who is in the midst of his 16th NBA season.
Last season was his first with the Sixers after previous stints as a member of the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Clippers.
George was expected to be part of a potential championship contender alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Philly, but injuries impacted nearly the entire roster, including George, who was limited to just 41 games.
As a result, the 76ers were one of the most disappointing teams in the league, missing the playoffs with a 24-58 record.
Philadelphia is off to a much better start this season at 8-5, and if the likes of George, Embiid, Maxey and rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe can largely stay healthy, they have a chance to be a team to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
