INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Clippers ruined Paul George’s return by knocking off the Sixers 110-98 on Wednesday night. Los Angeles’ balance play helped them take control in the second half and they never looked back. The Clippers improve to 4-4 and Los Angeles have made it two straight victories..
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers win over the 76ers:
Mixed crowd response for George’s return
The 76ers newly acquired star Paul George was playing his second game for the team and first game against his former team.
Many Clipper fans would’ve thought George would be playing in his very first game in the Intuit Dome as a Clipper but instead he was a visitor.
With the Clippers, George averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game in his five seasons.
The Clippers honored him for his years with the team and some fans showed him love at the time of his video tribute.
But, that’s where it stopped. For the rest of the game, fans sitting in “The Wall” heckled him all night.
“You suck” and “PG suck” chants followed him throughout the game. Every time George touched the ball he was serenaded with boos.
George finished his return game with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals in a block.
The third quarter takeover
The third quarter has been an issue for the Clippers throughout this season. Tonight was a different story.
After going into the half tied at 51. It was all Clippers in the third quarter.
Los Angeles outscored the 76ers 33-17 and dominated the rest of the way.
The Clippers were able to turn defense into offense forcing the Sixers to run the ball over and taking advantage.
Norman Powell scored 8 points in the quarter which decided the game.
The Sixers lost All Star guard Tyrese Maxey in the quarter for the game and the Clippers pounced.
Too much Powell for the Sixers to handle
Norman Powell does it again.
He has been the best player for the Clippers so far this season and was back at it tonight.
Powell finished with a game-high 26 points shooting a very efficient 8-10 from the field including making 6-8 from three.
He was scoring tonight from all over the floor including the charity stripe where he was 4-4.
Powell was also one of the team’s top playmakers adding 6 assists.
The former Bruins all-around playing has him looking All-Star worthy and if he can help the Clippers continue to pick up wins it may happen for him.