Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George exited the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter due to a hyperextended left knee, an injury he had previously sustained during the preseason. The incident occurred early in the second half of the 117-111 defeat, and George did not return to the court.
Following the game, Sixers officials indicated that further medical testing would take place on Thursday to assess the condition of George’s knee. Coach Nick Nurse expressed some optimism regarding the injury, suggesting that it appeared similar to the earlier bone bruise that caused George to miss the first five games of the season. Nurse mentioned that although George was close to rejoining the game, his knee stiffened, prompting the decision to hold him out for the remainder of the match.
The loss against the Grizzlies was particularly disappointing for the Sixers, as it marked the first time this season that star players George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey started together. Maxey had recently returned from a six-game absence due to a hamstring issue but struggled along with George, finishing with only eight points on 3-of-13 shooting.
Nurse acknowledged the challenges the team faced during the game, particularly with players adjusting to each other after injuries. The Sixers will be looking to bounce back as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
This setback for George and the overall struggles of the Sixers highlight the unpredictability of an NBA season, but there is hope as the team gears up for their next game. With talented players like Maxey and Embiid in the lineup, fans can remain optimistic about their chances of turning things around moving forward.