Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George didn’t understand the reception he received in his return to face his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers.
George was booed pregame while running onto the court, as well as in the early part of the Sixers’ 110-98 defeat.
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The Clippers presented a tribute video after the first timeout of the game, which George acknowledged.
“It’s stupid,” George said postgame. “I mean, I was a free agent, you know what I mean? It wasn’t something that I demanded a trade or went against the team here. I was a free agent. The team presented (an offer) that was team-friendly, and I did what was best for me in that situation.
“So there were the cheers. I appreciate them. Those were the ones that I played hard for. The boos, I didn’t get it. I still don’t get it when I go (back) to Indy, but it is what it is. It’s sports. … I look forward to next year being back here and more boos.”
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George recorded a team-high 18 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in the loss.
The California native spent five seasons with L.A., making three All-Star rosters and an All-NBA third team in 2021 – the same campaign he helped lead the franchise to its lone Western Conference finals appearance.
George signed a four year, $212-million max contract with the 76ers after stating he wanted to remain with the Clippers. The club wasn’t willing to give him either a four-year maximum deal or a three-year, $150-million pact with a no-trade clause. George was offered the latter deal without the no-trade clause, matching Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s contract.
Before the contest, George reflected on his tenure with the franchise, calling Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and president Lawrence Frank “awesome” despite the “shocking decision” that led to his departure, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
The Sixers fell to 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 1-6 record. They face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
