Although Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George received a video tribute in his first game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome, he also heard plenty of boos Wednesday night from The Wall at the new arena. According to NBA.com, the game was played in front of an announced crowd of 15,627.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George said he appreciated the Los Angeles Clippers’ video tribute
Despite fans and NBA insiders expecting a competitive matchup, George’s former team routed the Sixers 110-98 in Los Angeles. The nine-time All-Star forward said he appreciated the video tribute and called the Clippers franchise “first class.”
The 15-year veteran had 18 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in 23 minutes of action. George also finished 7-of-9 (77.8%) shooting from the field, hit a couple of 3-pointers, and drained a pair of free throws.
George said his return drew a split reaction from fans. However, the Palmdale native could not comprehend why he was serenaded with boos. After all, he played five seasons with the Clippers and helped them reach their only Western Conference finals appearance in 2021.
Paul George on if the boos from Clippers fans bothered him:
“I mean it’s stupid. I was a free agent. It wasn’t something that I demanded a trade or went against the team. They presented a team friendly offer and I did what was best for me. There were cheers, those are the ones I… pic.twitter.com/9cl7shVpdz
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 7, 2024
“It is stupid,” George said when asked if he was surprised to hear jeers. “I mean, I was a free agent, you know what I mean? It wasn’t something that I demanded a trade or went against the team here. I was a free agent. The team presented something that was team friendly, and I did what was best for me in that situation.
“So there were the cheers. I appreciate them. Those were the ones that I played hard for. The boos, I didn’t get it. I still don’t get it when I go [back] to Indy, but it is what it is. It’s sports. I look forward to next year being back here and more boos.”
George signed a four-year, $212 million max contract as a free agent with the 76ers
During the offseason, George signed a four-year, $212 million max contract as a free agent with the 76ers. George said he wanted to remain with the Clippers. Nevertheless, the organization refused to give him a no-trade clause with a three-year, $150 million extension or a four-year max deal. That ultimately led to his departure.
After George signed with Philadelphia, a number of Clippers fans were irritated by comments he made on his podcast, “Podcast P with Paul George,” when he described returning to his hometown to join the Clippers like being on the “B team” because Lakers fans would tell him that he should’ve joined the Lakers.
The crowd boos PG as he faces his former team for the first time pic.twitter.com/tHMXFvLK8P
— Kelli Johnson (@KelliJohnsonTV) November 7, 2024
Die-hard Clippers fans in The Wall, a section where ticket holders stand in uninterrupted rows behind the basket near the opponent’s bench, held up signs to mock George for comments he made on his podcast. Several fans brought signs that combined to read, “PG THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.”
Regardless of all the effort fans put forth to distract him, George said he didn’t see many of the signs.
“Oh, well, I’m sure they’re all probably subscribers,” George said, referring to his podcast. “So, it’s a win-win. It’s two wins against The Wall, I guess.”
Paul George spent time with former Clippers teammates before tip-off
Putting aside the boos, George said he still felt love from Clippers players and many family members and friends in the building. He hanged out with former teammate James Harden before the game and greeted other former teammates, such as Ivica Zubac, and hugged his parents, Clippers employees and friends who were courtside.
“Ain’t no bad blood,” George said when asked if he is holding a grudge against his former team. “I talked to those guys throughout the whole process. James was informed with what I was doing. Kawhi was informed with what I was doing. Russ [Westbrook] was informed with what I was doing. I talked to all those guys, so there was no bad blood.
“At the end of the day, regardless if we’re teammates or not, those are lifelong bonds that you build and whatever happens in basketball kind of doesn’t affect that relationship.”
