yahoo
In the Boston Celtics' 144-106 NBA preseason rout of the Philadelphia 76ers, veteran Paul George demonstrated why he remains a force on both ends of the court. The 17-year veteran seamlessly integrated alongside Jayson Tatum, prompting head coach Joe Mazzulla to laud his all-around contributions.
Mazzulla, speaking to Jay King of The Athletic, emphasized George's defensive tenacity and court awareness. "He's got great instincts. Great instincts, great technique, great positioning. It's something he takes pride in, but I do think it's very contagious. I think it's just the activity. So I think Paul helps that. That's one of the best things he does. I think we saw that on a couple of possessions. I think that just becomes contagious when guys are able to do that," Mazzulla said.
Despite shooting just 30% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range, George still managed to score 13 points, largely by drawing fouls and converting 83.3% of his free throws. He also grabbed five rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded five steals, finishing with a +19 plus-minus. His performance helped Boston secure its second consecutive preseason victory.
Key Analysis
George's ability to impact the game without relying solely on scoring is precisely what Mazzulla values. The coach noted that George's activity on defense and his knack for making plays without dominating the ball make him an ideal complement to Tatum. "Just to be able to be his teammate and learn from him and take on the role of any kind of mentor or assistance to myself and other guys. I obviously watched him play for a long time. It's cool to be a part of it," Tatum said of George.
For a Celtics team that needs versatility without sacrificing offensive flow or defensive intensity, George's presence could be a game-changer. Mazzulla knows that Tatum thrives alongside a secondary option who doesn't demand a high usage rate, and George fits that mold perfectly. As the preseason progresses, George's contagious energy and defensive prowess will be key for Boston's aspirations.
Originally reported by yahoo.