Sixers appreciate George doing ‘everything' through roller coaster of Celtics series

April 30, 2026 - 23:05

Through the first five games of the Philadelphia 76ers' playoff series against the Boston Celtics, Paul George has been a steady presence on both ends of the floor. While the series has been a roller coaster of momentum swings and shifting rotations, George has drawn praise from teammates for doing whatever is needed on any given possession.

"He's doing everything out there," one Sixers player said after a recent practice. "Scoring, defending, rebounding, getting guys involved. That's what we need from him."

George's versatility has been especially critical as the Celtics have thrown different defensive looks at the Sixers. When Boston traps or sends extra help, George has shown patience, often finding the open man or attacking the gaps. Defensively, he has taken on tough assignments, switching onto guards and forwards alike.

The series has seen dramatic shifts. One game features a blowout, the next a tight battle decided in the final minutes. Through it all, George has maintained a consistent approach. He is not forcing shots when the offense stalls, and he is not taking plays off when the Celtics push in transition.

His willingness to sacrifice individual stats for team success has not gone unnoticed. Coaches and teammates have highlighted his leadership during huddles and his ability to stay composed when the game gets chaotic.

As the series heads toward a potential closeout game, the Sixers will continue to lean on George's two-way reliability. If the first five games are any indication, he will be ready to handle whatever the Celtics throw at him.