"I'm on a minutes restriction" - Paul George reveals complaining to Lakers coach JJ Redick about aggressive defensive schemes
Philadelphia 76ers star wing Paul George has been on a minutes restriction to begin his first season with his new team. Nevertheless, according to the nine-time All-Star, LA Lakers rookie coach JJ Redick didn't take it easy on him during Friday's 116-106 road loss.
George missed Philly's first five outings due to a left knee bone bruise he sustained during the preseason. Upon returning to the lineup on Nov. 4, he was placed on a minutes restriction. Over his first two appearances, he played 32 and 24 minutes.
Facing the Lakers in his third game, George logged 25 minutes. He struggled with his shot, finishing with nine points on 4-for-13 (30.8%) shooting, missing all six of his 3-point attempts.
On Wednesday's episode of "Podcast P with Paul George," the six-time All-NBA selectee reflected on the loss. George noted that he wasn't a fan of Redick's aggressive defensive schemes against him, so he jokingly called him out after the contest.
"I saw JJ after the game. We talked and laughed a little bit," George said. "They were trapping, and they were sending doubles and playing up in the pick-and-rolls, and I'm like, 'JJ, I'm on a minutes restriction, let me hoop, let me play. Chill with the hedges and the doubles and let me hoop. I'm not out there for long.'"
However, according to George, Redick, known for his preparation and attention to detail, just "laughed" at his gripe.
Nick Nurse says Paul George's minutes restriction is over ahead of matchup against Orlando
Paul George sat out Wednesday's 114-106 home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to left knee injury management on the second night of a back-to-back. However, per Sixers coach Nick Nurse, George's minutes restriction is over entering Friday's road clash against the Orlando Magic.
"Both (George and Joel Embiid) will be playing Friday, and now we're at the situation where Paul's minutes restrictions are over," Nurse said Wednesday.
Through five outings, George is averaging 17.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.2 3-pointers, shooting 42.5% across 29.2 minutes per game.
His increased availability should bode well for an underperforming Philly squad that has started just 2-9.
Also Read: Paul George has harsh words for Clippers fans about $2B Intuit Dome as he clarifies viral statement