It wasn’t the debut Paul George was looking for. Another game, another defeat. It’s definitely not the perfect start for the Philadelphia 76ers as well. But PG13? The most-awaited All-Star forward of the Sixers. Still, none of his moves on the court could secure the win the team urgently needs. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey scored over 30 points. He is the talk of the town currently. But, a last-minute decision by Paul George is now under scrutiny.

Things are trickier because of how long PG has been around. For fourteen years and still counting, it is a surprise how a veteran’s pivotal decision suddenly turned irrational. So, let’s quickly understand what happened at the Footprint Center on Monday. Last 25 seconds of the fourth quarter the Phoenix Suns equalized at 116-116. Kevin Durant slams a two-pointer and the Suns take the lead. This is when Paul George gets the ball, last 10 seconds remaining. Will he score the three-pointer or will he pass it to Tyrese Maxey who was nearby? If Paul takes the shot, will he score or not? Pretty nail-biting!

Sadly, the 9x NBA All-Star missed his shot. There was a clear chance for the 76ers to win the game by a single point. The team missed an extremely crucial chance of winning the game. So now, Philadelphia stands 14th on the Eastern Conference points table, just above the Milwaukee Bucks and second last overall. Now, PG’s Clippers teammate Patrick Beverley seems to have trouble understanding why the star player didn’t pass the ball to the 24-year-old Tyrese Maxey. He said on X: “PG my brother. Love him to death. But Maxey gotta have that last shot. I know it’s hierarchy and I respect it, on his bday and a 30 point night.”

Compared to Paul George’s 15 points, Maxey finished with 32 points on his birthday. But were the efforts fruitful at the end of the day? Well, you know the results, so, does it look like the hard work was of any use? However, the 76ers are looking at the positive takes from their fifth defeat out of six games.

Philadelphia believes Paul George’s ‘PG8’ era has finally begun

The Philadelphia 76ers began the season with high expectations, but after only six games, they found themselves in need of a boost. Monday night offered a glimmer of hope as Paul George suited up, and the Sixers appeared strong against the Phoenix Suns. Yet, as is often the case in sports, things didn’t go as planned. Despite holding a nine-point lead in the final minutes, they ultimately surrendered to Kevin Durant’s efforts, allowing the Suns to walk away with the win.

But, it was Paul George, whose mere presence on the court made a great difference for the team. After missing the first five games with a bone bruise on his left knee, the much-awaited debut finally happened. Philadelphia carved out a dynamic offense. They looked and played well, despite a loss. Therefore, the mood inside the Sixers’ locker room was more positive at the end of the game.

Meanwhile, the star of the night, Tyrese Maxey told The Athletic: “He [Paul George] takes a lot of the pressure off all of us. With him on the floor, you can see it. We’re a lot more balanced. I didn’t have to do as much, so I was a lot more fresh. It just helps all of us, having him back.” So, well, it’s not a stretch to say that the PG8 era has begun for the 76ers despite Paul’s lackluster debut game. Because it is the experience and balance he brings to the games more than anything else.

Despite a rocky debut, Paul George’s return sparks hope for the 76ers. His presence added balance, lifting the team’s energy and strengthening their offense. Tyrese Maxey’s standout performance proves there’s firepower to build on, though Patrick Beverley’s final shot concern raises questions. The team missed a crucial chance, but their resilience hints there’s more to unfold. Moreover, the PG8 era might just be the spark Philadelphia needs.