Winners, losers from NBA playoffs: Villanova alums take down Philly

First-quarter Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers' 36-year-old forward turned back the clock in Game 3, pouring in 15 points in the first quarter as his team jumped out to a double-digit lead. George sank three three-pointers and added a steal, fulfilling the promise he had when the 76ers gave him a four-year maximum contract in the summer of 2024.

Losers

Second-through-fourth-quarter Paul George

After his hot opening quarter, George didn't score again. For the last three quarters of Game 3, George shot 0-of-9 with three turnovers, continuing the nightmare that his big contract and lackluster production have been for the 76ers — not to mention a 25-game drug suspension that likely forced Philly into the play-in tournament.

Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

In Game 1, the Spurs struggled with Julius Randle's physicality. Since then, they've had very little problem with the Timberwolves forward. He had his second straight 12-point effort in Game 3, shooting 3-of-12 and committing five fouls. In a winnable game from the Wolves, Randle's lack of offense, and Jaden McDaniels shooting 5-of-22 doomed the team's chances.

Philadelphia 76ers season-ticket holders

Despite some extensive efforts to keep Knicks fans from filling the road arena just a short train ride away from New York City, the Philadelphia crowd had plenty of orange-and-blue-clad fans cheering for the other team.

The ugliest example came when the 76ers held a pregame moment of silence for 76ers coach Nick Nurse's recently deceased brother and a fan interrupted by shouting, "Let's go Knicks!"

With the 76ers now down 3-0 and on the brink of elimination, selling playoff tickets looks understandable, but it's still a bad look during the second round of the playoffs.