Listen to article \u2022\u00a00:00 min<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON \u2014 Paul George<\/a> continues to impress in his return to the Sixers\u2019 regular lineup, leading them to a 153-131 win over the Washington Wizards<\/a> in a game that looked dicier than it needed to be at times.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what we learned:<\/p>\n \u00bb READ MORE: Paul George\u2019s season-high 39 points leads Sixers to a 153-151 win over the Wizards<\/a><\/p>\n George dominates on offense<\/p>\n Since his return from a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA\u2019s anti-drug policy, George said he feels healthier than he has been in a long time, and it has shown on the offensive end. George came out blazing hot in D.C., scoring eight of the Sixers\u2019 first 12 points. He ended the first quarter with 14 points, two rebounds, and two assists.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew, with this 25 game suspension, I was going to use it wisely,\u201d George said. \u201cI stayed in shape, I stayed sharp, stayed working on my body, but again, it just wasn\u2019t the pounding and wear and tear of if I was going through a game. I was working hard, but I was able to recover and carry it over to the next day.\u201d<\/p>\n His hot streak continued into the second half. George\u2019s 39 points were the most he\u2019s scored in a Sixer uniform \u2014 and he\u2019d already smashed the previous high of 35 set on Dec. 14 against Atlanta midway through the third. <\/p>\n \u201cHe showed really good leadership by coming out and being aggressive and getting us going at the start,\u201d Sixers coach Nick Nurse<\/a> said. \u201cThe start of both halves. It was just really, really great to see the variety too \u2014 got some drives, got some transition threes, got some one-on-one plays, variety of different places on the floor.”<\/p>\n George had a chance for his first 40-point effort since March 5, 2023, but ultimately fell just short. He finished with five rebounds, six assists, and three steals on 22 shots.<\/p>\n His offensive production led an overall effective shooting day for the Sixers after a rough trip down to Miami in Monday\u2019s loss<\/a>. The team shot 62% from the field, including 17-for-35 from three, against the Wizards.<\/p>\n \u00bb READ MORE: From Nigeria to the NBA: Adem Bona\u2019s journey from soccer-crazed kid to Sixers energy boost<\/a><\/p>\n