14.1 points and 3.6 assists on average. Paul George's statistical record alongside Joel Embiid is currently very poor. Star of the Sixers recruitment hoped to be the missing piece to reach the heights of the East, the winger is struggling so far to justify these expectations. The former Clipper certainly has mitigating circumstances, between his own injuries and those of his pivot, cornerstone of Philadelphia. But as we approach the halfway point of the season, it might be time to step it up…
Nick Nurse is being patient for the moment, helped by his team's rebound recently after a nightmarish start. “ I hope we see the two-handed game between Joel and Paul repeated a little more to know where we stand » explained the coach before crushing the Nets on Saturday. “ I just don't have enough data to judge. This hasn't happened enough for me to see this. »
A relationship under construction
Joel Embiid and Paul George have only been able to play together 13 times in the Sixers' 33 games this season. The sample is small, but it shows a trend. While the 2023 MVP is regaining sensations (27.9 points on average over his last seven outings), “PG” still does not seem to find his place at his side.
He is thus further behind in scoring when the pivot is there, with only one match above 20 points (29 against the Knicks… for what was Embiid's first match of the season, then still at the time of limited play). And he also does not take advantage of the spaces offered by the presence of the Olympic gold medalist in Paris, shooting only a very low 38.3%, including 30.1% at 3-points. Averages very far from his last exercise at 47.1%, including 41.3% from afar despite the presence of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden or Russell Westbrook in Los Angeles.
These disappointing figures do not have a simplistic explanation for a poor overall season, since Paul George still flirts with a 20-5-5 average (19.2 points at 46.4%, 5.9 assists, 5.1 rebounds) under the Philadelphia jersey when Joel Embiid is in civilian clothes.
However, there is improvement individually for Paul George in his latest performances, with his 30 points on January 1 against Sacramento. “ I think we've become more comfortable » still estimated Paul George. “ The exchanges and communication between him and me become stronger and stronger, about what he sees, what I see. And as my rhythm begins to return, he knows he can count on me when I'm by his side. We just have to play one match after another, repeat our game, and it will get better. »
When will “momentum” arrive for Paul George?
Collectively already, the Sixers are doing better with their tandem on the floor with seven victories for six defeats (7-13 in other matches), and even seven successes in the last nine meetings played jointly by the two All-Stars. But the setbacks against the sick Kings and Warriors last week reminded us that this new balance was very fragile.
Because in addition to the duo, Paul George must also find his automatisms with the other strong man in the squad, Tyrese Maxey. Which seems to be a bit of a headache for Nick Nurse at the moment.
“ There are other things to consider too. Who starts matches strong? Who doesn't? » indicated the former Raptors technician to the media. “ Tyrese usually heats up, he's a second period guy. Joel is more of an early match guy. So we have to find where “PG” fits into all of this. I think he tried to get into a rhythm early in the games. I'm not sure it's great for us. We have to monitor all of this. »
Next case analysis this evening against the Suns, another team which is having difficulty rotating its stars together…
