The Philadelphia 76ers failed to seize the opportunity to take control of the series after losing in Game 3. Now, the Celtics have snatched homecourt advantage back, and have once again taken the driver's seat in their first round affair. However, for Philly, there is a narrative affecting their playoff outlook that has gone under the radar –– Paul George not having any standout performances thus far.
Through their first three games against Boston, George has averaged 18 points per outing on very good shooting splits. He is shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three-point line. In essence, he is providing what the 76ers need from him at this juncture. However, if there is one thing that is becoming inarguable, it is that the former All-Star can no longer be banked on to turn in high-scoring games on a consistent basis.
Only a week away from being 36 years old, George is clearly no longer the player he used to be in his heyday. In the past, he was someone who can turn it up come playoff time. While he has had his fair share of duds in the postseason, he was largely considered as one of the rare stars who perform even better when the stakes are higher.
The 76ers have to face the new normal with Paul George
Now that he is in his 16th year as a pro, the truth of the matter is that the 76ers have no other choice but to accept the new normal with George –– that he is more of a complementary piece at this stage in his career. Of course, he is still a more sterling option than other players carrying that billing, but no one should make the mistake of treating him as a viable alpha nowadays.
George still has his clear strengths which make him an elite supporting piece on a winning squad. He is still pretty heady on the defensive end, savvy at leveraging his length and ranginess to be a factor in team-wide defensive concepts.
On the offensive end, aside from the 30-point explosions that come out here and there, he remains arguably the best spot-up shooter on the 76ers roster. He can still create his own shot to bail out the team when the need to do so arises, and his secondary playmaking remains reliable enough to cudgel him into being a release valve from time to time.
For better or for worse, this is the new reality with Paul George. Obviously, the Philadelphia 76ers have all the right to expect more from him, but it would benefit both parties if they come to terms on what he is capable of at this point in time.
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