The Philadelphia 76ers returned to their home court Monday night in a matchup against former Sixer James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers. Though the Sixers came into the game once again shorthanded, missing Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre, and Adem Bona, the team enjoyed the long-awaited return of Paul George.
Philadelphia would come out of the gate with back-to-back scoring plays from George, who splashed home a three-point shot on his first attempt of the game and drew a shooting foul on the next trip down, knocking down two of three and getting the team off to a quick 5-0 lead. The first quarter would become a bit more of a slog thereafter, as the Clippers responded with a 14-0 run and would lead 33-25 after one.
The Sixers struggled to find their shot, especially from deep, throughout this game, but when it came down to the crux of the game, Philadelphia once again responded.
Despite entering the fourth quarter down by double digits, Philadelphia kept their collective head down and went to work, soon turning the tide of the game as their offense came alive.
Philadelphia would shoot 60% from the floor in the quarter, hitting 55% of their three-point attempts on 11 shots. Although the game ultimately came down to a couple of shot attempts from James Harden, the Sixers put themselves in position to win in the fourth quarter, holding on for a 110-108 win.
Tyrese Maxey led the way, scoring 39 points while VJ Edgecombe and Andre Drummond both added 14 points, with the rookie contributing six rebounds and six assists while the vet pulled down an impressive 18 rebounds, including five offensive boards.
Quentin Grimes also played a major role in this win, locking down James Harden as the night progressed while putting up an impressive 19 points while shooting 60% from the field and 50% from three.
Paul George's nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 21 minutes may be a bit quiet compared to what fans had hoped, but considering this was his first NBA game in 258 days, there will certainly be an adjustment period until he has his NBA legs back under him.
This game marks the fifth time this season that the team has come back from a double-digit deficit. The Sixers are now 7-4 in clutch games this season, after finishing last season 15-21 in similar scenarios.
Philadelphia will remain home as they prepare to face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The Sixers have already faced the Raptors once in Philadelphia this season, defeating their division rival by a final score of 130-120.
Based on the time he's already spent on the shelf, it appears Joel Embiid may be ready for his return in this matchup, but more will be known come Tuesday afternoon.
