Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard
Link copied to clipboard

Sixers takeaways: Paul George struggles, early three-point barrage downs Hornets

by Keith Pompey
Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Tap to see more

Paul George went back to being a nonfactor after Joel Embiid returned. The 76ers showed they can come out on fire from the three-point line, and Ricky Council IV needs more minutes. Those three things stood out in the Sixers’ 108-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center.

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

George’s game alongside Embiid

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

With Embiid sidelined, George scored a season-high 33 points while making 13 of 20 shots in the Sixers' win in Charlotte on Monday. He didn't replicate his offensive output alongside Embiid on Friday.

Let’s just say it’s still a work in progress. George finished with five points on 2-for-12 shooting. The forward had just three points on 1-for-7 shooting in the first half. George did finish the game with 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. But he continues to struggle playing alongside the 7-foot-2 center.

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

George had 12 points while missing all five of his three-pointers against the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 8 when Embiid returned after missing seven games with knee swelling. Then George basically was an offensive bystander before Embiid suffered his sinus fracture before halftime in a Dec. 13 loss, 121-107, to Indiana.

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

First-quarter snipers

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

Philly was a sharp-shooting machine in the first quarter, making 9 of 15 three-pointers. It tied the franchise record for the most threes made in a single quarter. The Sixers made nine three-pointers in a quarter two other times since 2022.

In the first quarter against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 11, 2023, and in the second quarter vs. the Pacers on April 5, 2022, the Sixers made nine threes. Their three-point success enabled them to build a 41-23 lead after one quarter. Friday night's 41 points tied for the most the Sixers have scored in a quarter in 2024.

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

Council’s minutes

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

This game was another example of why Council needs more minutes. The reserve forward had a solid impact, finishing with 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting – including making his lone three-point attempt – along with two rebounds.

Council nearly hit his head on the rim on two of his dunks during the SIxers' win over Charlotte. He provides the energy, athleticism and grit the Sixers need off of the bench.

Yong Kim / Staff Photographer