"PG & Clutch in the same sentence?"- Fans mock Sixers' $211M star Paul George after missing game-tying bucket
Paul George's missed clutch shot in the final seconds of the Philadelphia 76ers vs Phoenix Suns skirmish had fans mocking the All-Star wing. George, who inked a four-year, $211 million deal with the 76ers in what was one of the blockbuster moves this summer had a poor game with 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists that included a missed game-winner.
George missed a mid-range jumper with the 76ers trailing 118-116 in the final seconds after a clutch Kevin Durant bucket saw the Suns go up by two points. After calling the play, George breezed past Grayson Allen, but couldn't nail the jumper as the clock ran out to hand Phoenix a two-point win.
The costly miss saw fans weigh in. One of them took a direct dig at the 76ers star and his clutch gene.
"PG & clutch in the same sentence?!🤣🫵🏿"
Another fan @chosenboii added:
"Ofc PG missed it💀 why would you expect him to be clutch"
@aatifastro felt it was pure bad luck.
"What a game! Suns pulled it off in the end. Gotta give props to KD for that clutch bucket. Tough luck for PG, but that's just how the ball bounces sometimes."
@saraqureshi87 tweeted:
"Maxey was on fire all game, but they let the veteran take the glory"
@onoriode didn't understand George's plan of taking a long two.
"PG can’t be serious, run the clock all the way down and decided to shoot a long 2?"
@mitsxsteven seconded the thought.
"Did Paul George ereally just take the longest step back two to tie??? Horrible shot selection"
George also struggled to get his offense on point, shooting 4-14 from the field and 1-7 from the 3-point line. Six of his points came from his 6-7 shooting from the free-throw line. Tyrese Maxey had a field day with 32 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Durant led the way for the Suns with 35 points on 14-20 shooting and 2-5 from the deep. Bradley Beal and Devin Booker chipped in with 17 and 13 points respectively.
Paul George has forgettable 76ers debut as Philly lose 118-116
The Philadelphia 76ers fans had every reason to believe they stood a chance to get past the Phoenix Suns with Paul George suiting up for his new team for the first time this season. The 9x NBA All-Star had recovered from a bone bruise in his knee sustained during the preseason and started the game forming the frontcourt alongside Kelly Oubre Jr.
George played for 31 minutes quashing initial reports that suggested he would be on minutes restriction to work himself back to full recovery. While the loss may sting, the 76ers will be pleased to see the difference he made to the side that was solely dependent on Maxey in Paul George and Joel Embiid's absence. Only time will tell if he can shrug off the close loss and help Philly string up some wins.