Sixers’ Paul George Upset Over Boos From Clippers Fans In L.A. Homecoming

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George received a mixed homecoming upon returning to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Wednesday night. The team honored him with a video tribute before the game, but he also received several choruses of boos from fans upset with his departure in free agency this past off-season.

“It is stupid,” George said of the crowd’s reactions after the game. “I mean, I was a free agent, you know what I mean? It wasn’t something that I demanded a trade or went against the team here. I was a free agent. The team presented something that was team-friendly, and I did what was best for me in that situation.”

George finished the game with 18 points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes on the floor, his second appearance in the regular season since recovering from an injury. His addition did little to help, however, as the Sixers struggled to build any momentum without star Joel Embiid and lost 110-98.

Clippers fans have received a lot of attention early in the 2024-25 season for their boisterous reactions on The Wall, the name for the steep, consecutive rows of seats behind the visitor’s baseline. This arrangement has made the arena a unique playing environment, giving fans the chance to make themselves heard by the likes of George.

After five seasons in Los Angeles, the 34-year-old veteran opted to leave in free agency, eventually landing in Philadelphia on a four-year, $211 million deal. The Clippers made it to the playoffs in three of his five seasons with the team and advanced to the conference finals in 2021.

In a new arena without George, the Clippers have gotten off to a pedestrian 4-4 start this season, leaning heavily on point guard James Harden while Kawhi Leonard misses time with an injury. Shooting guard Norman Powell has also stepped up early in the season and led the Clippers with 26 points in their win over the Sixers.

Los Angeles fans made it clear that they’re missing George to an extent, but the nine-time All-Star hasn’t done anything to help Philadelphia through a brutal opening stretch. With Embiid banged up and George only recently returning, star point guard Tyrese Maxey has tried but failed to carry the team singlehandedly. Now, Maxey is expected to miss several weeks with a hamstring injury. The Sixers are 1-6 so far this season without a clear road forward.

Article by Patrick Moquin