Paul George returned to the floor with a bang, notching 28 points in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 157-137 victory over the Chicago Bulls on March 25. The nine-time NBA All-Star had just completed a 25-game suspension, making his performance even more significant as it drew immediate reactions from across the league.
George last played for the 76ers in a matchup with the Sacramento Kings in late January, a stretch where he was averaging 16 points per game. However, he was suspended shortly after for a violation of the league’s Anti-Drug Program, remaining sidelined for 25 games. The disciplinary action cost him significant floor time and more than $11.7 million in pay.
In his first game back, the 35-year-old proved to be a force. Although he missed 8 of 10 field goals in the opening half to register only five points, he exploded for 23 points in the second half to help the 76ers roll to their Wednesday night win.
NBA World Reacts to Paul George’s 28-Point Performance in Return
The NBA world quickly shared its admiration for the Philadelphia star. ESPN analyst Sam Block, @theblockspot, commended the team’s top scorers and noted that the 76ers should never be underestimated.
“Joel Embiid is dominating. Paul George turned back the clock. VJ Edgecombe is a young STAR. Do NOT sleep on the Sixers, man,” Block posted.
Joel Embiid is dominating.
Paul George turned back the clock.
VJ Edgecombe is a young STAR.Do NOT sleep on the Sixers, man.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) March 26, 2026
NBA Central, @thedunkcentral, highlighted George’s phenomenal statistics, noting his well-rounded contribution beyond just the scoring column.
“Paul George in his first game back: 28 points 6 rebounds 4 assists 4 steals 1 block 50% FG,” the account posted.
Paul George in his first game back:
28 points
6 rebounds
4 assists
4 steals
1 block
50% FG
(Via @realapp ) pic.twitter.com/zGEZrBIsMc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 26, 2026
The game was also historic for Philadelphia, as the team reached a scoring threshold not seen in more than half a century. NBC analyst John Clark, @JClarkNBCS, praised the Eastern Conference’s seventh-seeded squad for their offensive outburst.
“The Sixers with their most points in a game in 56 years! 157 points Joel Embiid 35 Paul George 28,” Clark noted.
The Sixers with their most points in a game in 56 years!
157 points
Joel Embiid 35
Paul George 28 https://t.co/IJzu8YLvld
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 26, 2026
Joel Embiid Joins George in Dominant Return to Lineup
Joel Embiid, the other primary team anchor, also returned Wednesday after missing 13 games due to a strained right oblique. He showed no signs of rust, pouring in 23 points in the first half to help Philadelphia take a 71-52 halftime lead. He finished the night with 35 points, six rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 12-17 from the field.
Sports and news anchor Jeff Skversky, @JeffSkversky, celebrated the return of both stars, noting the historical context of their combined production.
👊 Welcome back Joel Embiid & Paul George!
Embiid and George combined for 63 points – MOST as Sixers teammates #Sixers score their MOST points in a game since 1970! (157 points) pic.twitter.com/FrLNI0BjEE
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) March 26, 2026
George looked confident throughout the night and appeared at ease while adding points to the tally. It was one of those performances where he simply found his rhythm and scored effortlessly.
“I felt pretty explosive, pretty strong. I felt good. That was bringing back classic moments in my scoring bag, where I can be explosive as a scorer and put points up quick,” George said after the game. “That’s just me in the flow.”
READ MORE: Is Paul George Playing Tonight? Latest Status Update on 76ers Star Ahead Of Bulls Clash
The veteran forward also apologized to his team, family, and fans for using a banned substance. He clarified that the violation stemmed from medication he was taking to address mental health and physical issues.
