Paul George ‘bored’ while filling in at center, Eric Gordon reaches a milestone, and one reason for optimism
The Sixers were without their two centers on Friday, but Joel Embiid could return against the Magic on Sunday.
ORLANDO — With seven-time All-Star center Joel Embiid and his backup Andre Drummond sidelined, the 76ers had to think outside of the box Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
In doing so, coach Nick Nurse played 6-foot-8 swingman Paul George at center for stretches of the game. So how was it for the nine-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive selection?
“I mean, it’s different,” George said of guarding centers. “I’m used to scrapping and running around and chasing and fighting through screens. And you know, to be honest, I’m bored playing on a five. It just doesn’t do enough for me.
“But I think being mindful of my ability to clog the middle and kind of help and cut off passing lanes and driving lanes and battle with the bigs is what Nick sees in that style. But again, I enjoy chasing the little guys, matching up against wing offensive players.”
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That makes sense, considering how George was more stationary while guarding the centers in the post. His athleticism and ability to be disruptive led to his making solid defensive plays — and even a clutch steal while guarding the wing in the perimeter.
The 2018-19 steals champion is averaging 1.8 steals this season and 1.7 over his 15-year career. George’s 1,509 steals heading into Sunday’s game against the Orlando Magic rank seventh among active NBA players.
George was expected to back to guarding more wings on Sunday at the Kia Center. But Embiid was downgraded to out after already missing the past three games with a sprained left foot.
Milestone for Gordon
Reserve guard Eric Gordon eclipsed 14,000 career points on Friday, becoming the 30th active player to reach that milestone.
Gordon, who turned 36 on Christmas, is playing his 17th NBA season. He played for the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, the Houston Rockets, and Phoenix Suns before signing with the Sixers in July.
Fun fact
The Sixers have reasons to be optimistic amid a disappointing season.
The team is 6-1 when its Big Three trio of George, Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey plays the entire game. The Sixers are 7-3 in games they all started. Overall, the Sixers are 15-21 heading into Sunday’s game against the Magic and are losers of four of the last six games after winning 10 of their previous 13 contests.