Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Paul George plays hero for 76ers in second game after suspension

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 12:35 AM ET

In only his second game since serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy, Paul George played the role of hero for the Philadelphia 76ers in their win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.

After putting up 28 points in a win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in his first game back, George followed that solid performance with 26 against the Hornets, including a go-ahead three-pointer late in the game.

Paul George put the 76ers up with just over a minute left in the game

With Charlotte leading 114-113 with 1:06 on the game clock, George splashed a corner three, a shot that would eventually become the game-winner. The 76ers would go on to win 118-114.

In addition to George's offensive production, he was 9-of-19 from the field for a 47.4% shooting clip and four threes. He also posted a double-double with 13 rebounds and a pair of assists.

PG FOR THE LEAD‼️ pic.twitter.com/3V3hUEz9NB
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 29, 2026

George had six boards and four assists against Chicago, showing his true importance to Philadelphia and how much he was missed during his absence.

When on the floor this season, George has averages of 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 43.0%. And even though these numbers are below the standard he set earlier in his career with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers, having George still makes the 76ers a more complete team.

76ers need George at his best to make a playoff run

Because if Philadelphia has any hope of embarking on a deep playoff run, George will need to stay at the level he's been since his return from suspension. Sitting at 41-33, the 76ers are still only in the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

But the playoff picture is far from set — the 76ers are just a half game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 6 seed, which would avoid the play-in tournament.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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