Joel Embiid and Paul George shine in their returns as Sixers blow out the Bulls, 157-137
George struggled early in the game, but scored 23 of his 28 points in the second half. Embiid had a game-high 35 points.
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 76ers rolled to a 157-137 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. The Sixers’ 157 points as a team was their most in 56 years.
Josh Giddey scored 23 points to lead the Bulls.
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 three-point tries. He had 23 points in the first half to help the Sixers 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.
George was cheered throughout the night, especially after converting on three consecutive possessions early in the fourth quarter. The Sixers were 13-12 without George, who signed a four-year, $212 million deal with the team before the 2024 season but has been sidelined frequently by injury and suspension. George finished 11 of 22 from the field and 6 of 13 from long range.
Philadelphia still was without All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who missed his 10th straight game due to a little 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 Edgecome added 22 points for the Sixers.
The Sixers will travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets on Saturday night (6 p.m., NBCSP).