Paul George dismisses back injury concerns with a bird analogy
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George provided a calm update about his health after Sunday’s tough game against the Atlanta Hawks, dismissing any serious concerns about a minor back problem. After the game, George explained that he felt tightness in his back, but stressed that it was a natural consequence of playing extended minutes, noting that it was the most consecutive minutes he had logged this season.
Paul George mentioned after the game that his back got a little tight during tonight’s game. “But it will happen,” said George. “That was the most minutes I’ve played in a row. It’s good. Nothing to worry about.”
“I felt good. I was looking for more minutes outside… pic.twitter.com/VMauRhmKs1k
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“That was the most minutes I’ve played in a row. It’s good. Nothing to worry about,” George said. “I felt good. I was looking for more minutes out there, just how the game was going, how my body was feeling.”
His light-hearted approach included an analogy that captured his current mindset: “I think I’m a bird, I’m leaving the nest, I’ve got to fly and flap my wings a little more. It feels good to be kind of healthy.”
This game was a significant moment for the 76ers because it marked the first time this season that Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey shared the floor.
With Embiid and George adjusting to early-season rhythms and workload management, Maxey carried the bulk of Philadelphia’s offense, putting together a stellar line of statistics 44 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds in 52 minutes.
Despite Maxey’s heroics, the 76ers fell short, as Atlanta’s Jaylen Johnson turned in a fantastic performance with 41 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists to secure a narrow win for the Hawks.
George’s comments indicate confidence in his stamina and willingness to contribute as the team looks to find consistency with its star trio.
The analogy of a bird leaving the nest reflects his optimism and desire to take on a bigger job while maintaining his health.
Philadelphia will hope that the combination of George, Maxie, and Embiid can gel quickly, especially as they aim to consolidate their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
For now, 76ers fans can breathe easy: Paul George’s back isn’t a concern, and his metaphorical flight is well underway.
2025-12-01 17:51:00
