Paul George's return makes the Philadelphia 76ers much more dangerous

The Philadelphia 76ers have endured plenty of injuries this season, but they also lost a core player to a suspension. That was Paul George, who failed a drug test, leading to a big-time 25-game suspension. Now, he has returned, and it is evident that he is hungry to contribute.

George had 28 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals in his 76ers return against the Chicago Bulls. This was an impressive performance, as he showcased that he is ready to help the 76ers succeed in the postseason.

Paul George is already making a significant impact after his return

As one of the most respected veterans on the 76ers roster, George did not have a good moment after his suspension. The fans were going in his favor after a long time of criticism, thanks to some good performances, but he was swiftly suspended after that. 

George is a fantastic player, as evidenced by his history across multiple NBA teams. However, recent seasons have shown that he has slowed down with his productivity. With the 76ers, he has not been the most productive, but that changed sometime in the 2025-26 season.

MORE: Paul George makes sure to apologize to the 76ers fans after his 25-game suspension

Before his suspension, George was playing well. Now that he is back, he has made sure to keep that going. He was superb against the Bulls, and head coach Nick Nurse already knew that George would play a big role for the 76ers moving forward.

"He really brings a more solidifying approach to our defense. He's kind of a captain out there; things are more solid with him out there. So, I think he can do that immediately, and then points and buckets too. As much as we can give him the ball and find him," Nurse said ahead of the game against the Bulls.

Nurse was immediately proven right because George showed why he is one of the modern era's best players. He has slowed down in recent years, but a well-rested George could be a game-changer for a 76ers team that people are overlooking in the Playoffs.

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