Has Paul George Become a Burden for the 76ers?
George scores 10 points in just 20 minutes against the Miami Heat: Nick Nurse explains the reasons behind PG’s limited playing time
Paul George is navigating a difficult season with the Philadelphia 76ers, juggling returns from injury and reduced minutes on the court. Against the Miami Heat, the forward played only 20 minutes despite starting, finishing with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Physical issues and load management have inevitably limited his production: 3-for-10 from the field and 0-for-5 from three.
Head coach Nick Nurse explained that George’s minutes – he made his season debut only five games ago – were managed primarily with a defensive purpose, assigning him to guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami’s key threat. A logical tactical choice, even though it wasn’t enough to slow the home team, which won 127-117.
We tried to bring him in off the bench in the third quarter to match him up defensively with Jaquez Jr., and I think he did a good job.
Nick Nurse
The game was defined by Miami’s dominance on the glass and their ability to score in the paint: 58 rebounds and 72 points in the lane, compared to Philadelphia’s 46 and 52. The Sixers attempted to stay within striking distance thanks to six players in double figures, highlighted by Tyrese Maxey’s 27 points and Trendon Watford’s 19.
Andre Drummond owned the boards with 24 rebounds, but it still wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
The Sixers drop to 9-7, tied with Orlando and Chicago, just behind the New York Knicks. Now the team shifts its focus to the next home matchup, hosting the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup group stage.
For Paul George, the challenge is regaining full form and consistency: the talent is there-now he just needs time to return to playing at his best within Nurse’s rotation.