Joel Embiid, Paul George lead 76ers past Bulls in return
PHILADELPHIA --Joel Embiid scored 35 points in his return to the lineup from injury, Paul George had 28 points in his first game since serving a 25-game suspension and the Philadelphia 76ers rolled to a 157-137 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
Embiid missed 13 games with a strained right oblique but showed no signs of rust. The 2023 MVP made 6 of 9 shots in the first period, including all three of his 3-point tries. He had 23 points in the first half to help Philadelphia take a 71-52 halftime lead.
George was not as sharp early but settled in after halftime.
Playing for the first time since Jan. 29 due to a violation of the NBA's drug policy, he missed 8 of 10 field goals in the opening half and had five points, but scored 23 points in the second half.
"I felt pretty explosive, pretty strong," George said. "I felt good."
George was cheered throughout the night, especially after converting on three consecutive possessions early in the fourth quarter.
"That was bringing back classic moments in my scoring bag, where I can be explosive as a scorer and put points up quick," he said. "That's just me in the flow."
George finished 11-of-22 from the field and 6-of-13 from long range.
"I think he just needed to get the feel back a little bit," 76ers coach Nick Nurse said.
George was grateful for his teammates' support.
"They were excited for me to come back out there," he said.
The Sixers went 13-12 in his absence and began the day at 39-33 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia still was without All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who missed his 10th straight game due to a right finger tendon strain. Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow strain) also was sidelined for the eighth consecutive contest. Oubre has been cleared to return to on-court activities and participated in Wednesday morning's shootaround, a team spokesperson said before the game.
VJ Edgecombeadded 22 points for the 76ers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
