Paul George has finally found his stride in Philly, and it's about time. In their latest back-to-back against the Raptors, the Sixers' star showed he's capable of leading by example, using his speed and agility to attack downhill at will. The 6-9 shooting line from George against the Orlando Magic on Friday night was a stark contrast to his past mid-range jumper-heavy days with the Thunder.
This season has seen George become more selective with his shots, opting for easier opportunities in the paint rather than settling for contested pull-ups. His average shot distance is up, and he's now taking shots within three feet of the rim at about 10 percent – a stark improvement from last year's numbers.
But what's truly impressive is how this new approach has meshed with his supporting cast. A unit featuring George, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Andre Drummond has been a dominant force on defense, holding opponents to just one made shot in their most recent outing.
Edgecombe and Grimes are a nightmare for opposing guards, applying constant pressure that forces them into difficult shots. Meanwhile, George's length and touch allow him to finish at the rim with ease, setting up his pull-up jumpers and drawing defenders off balance.
The result is a swarming defensive lineup that can neutralize even the most potent opponents. With this unit in play, Nurse has the confidence to let Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey rest together, knowing they're not being compromised by George's attacking prowess.
As the Sixers look to make a push for the Eastern Conference playoff picture, their newfound cohesion on offense and defense is undeniable. When all three stars – Embiid, Maxey, and now George – are clicking, the results are electric.
This lineup change has significant implications for Nurse's strategy, allowing him to pair up his best two players more often and unleash their lethal two-man game. With this dominant defensive unit in play, the Sixers have a legitimate shot at taking over the top seed in the East.
As George continues to assert himself as the team's leader, one thing is clear: his aggressive attacking style is exactly what the team needed to take them to the next level.
This season has seen George become more selective with his shots, opting for easier opportunities in the paint rather than settling for contested pull-ups. His average shot distance is up, and he's now taking shots within three feet of the rim at about 10 percent – a stark improvement from last year's numbers.
But what's truly impressive is how this new approach has meshed with his supporting cast. A unit featuring George, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Andre Drummond has been a dominant force on defense, holding opponents to just one made shot in their most recent outing.
Edgecombe and Grimes are a nightmare for opposing guards, applying constant pressure that forces them into difficult shots. Meanwhile, George's length and touch allow him to finish at the rim with ease, setting up his pull-up jumpers and drawing defenders off balance.
The result is a swarming defensive lineup that can neutralize even the most potent opponents. With this unit in play, Nurse has the confidence to let Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey rest together, knowing they're not being compromised by George's attacking prowess.
As the Sixers look to make a push for the Eastern Conference playoff picture, their newfound cohesion on offense and defense is undeniable. When all three stars – Embiid, Maxey, and now George – are clicking, the results are electric.
This lineup change has significant implications for Nurse's strategy, allowing him to pair up his best two players more often and unleash their lethal two-man game. With this dominant defensive unit in play, the Sixers have a legitimate shot at taking over the top seed in the East.
As George continues to assert himself as the team's leader, one thing is clear: his aggressive attacking style is exactly what the team needed to take them to the next level.