Yesterday's win was incredibly valuable. The Timberwolves are a very quality team and the Sixers just did their thing.
One of my main takeaways from yesterday's game, and many of the recent Sixers games is Paul George.
I might be finally experiencing what all the fuss about Paul George is. A lot of people hold Paul George in a high regard. While of course I am aware he's good, I was always moderately baffled at how people compare him with the likes of Kevin Durant or even LeBron James sometimes.
Maybe I'm finally starting to realize what he's capable of and what type of energy he can give a team.
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George has been performing above my expectations both offensively and defensively. He seems to be creating a whole new role for himself I had not envisioned for him on this team, by basically sheer force of will.
In his five games since returning from suspension, George has averaged a seriously formidable stat line of 27 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3.2 steals!
Beyond the sheer numbers though he just looks comfortable out there playing at his own pace and with a good physicality. Maybe this roster construction is starting to make sense after all. This team just has to stay healthy now.
Joel Embiid is playing more often, and Tyrese Maxey returned from injury earlier than expected. V.J. Edgecombe is having a Rookie of the Year caliber season, it just so happens that 2025-26 is an incredible rookie class. In a more average or below average rookie class, V.J. Edgecombe could be a ROY and nobody would question it.
Embiid is not playing tonight as it's a back-to-back. Luckily in the playoffs there aren't any back-to-backs and luckily Paul George actually IS playing tonight which is slightly surprising but I recall hearing that he wanted to play in every game when he returns from suspension so I guess I'm not too shocked.
The Sixers are in a tough spot facing the number one seed Detroit Pistons on the second night of a back-to-back but the team is intact besides Embiid so I suppose this is a fairly good test at this point. I don't hate their chances anyway!