It’s the showdown everyone’s buzzing about: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown facing off in a highly anticipated matchup. But quietly, almost lost in the background of that narrative, is Paul George’s return to Philadelphia for the first time since leaving the Sixers. And George? He’s trying to play it cool, calling it “a regular game , that’s how I’m treating it” during Boston’s morning shootaround.
“Just Two Years,” Says Paul George. Is That Enough to Forget?
George played 89 games in a Sixers uniform over his two seasons there. He told the media, “Had I been here 8, 9, 10 years it’d be a different story. I was there 2 years.” He’s shrugging it off because, with 17 seasons under his belt, he’s been through these contentious reunions before. Payton Pritchard even chimed in, noting George has returned to four different teams. This guy’s seen it all, from facing the Pacers to the Thunder and Clippers again. So, for him, maybe it *is* just another game. But for Philly fans? That’s another story.
That Last Philly Game Though… What a Send-Off!
Here’s the kicker: his last appearance in Xfinity Mobile Arena was no “regular game.” It was Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, and George went off. He dropped a series-best 23 points on 47% efficiency, brought vintage defense forcing four Celtics turnovers, and held the shooters he matched up with to a paltry 33% (5/15 FG). That performance was a huge part of Philly completing the 14th 3-1 series comeback in NBA history. Think about that for a second! Yet, his brief stint in Philadelphia was also marked by a core group that struggled to stay on the floor together and hit those same second-round roadblocks they haven’t shaken since The Process began. George even mused about his expected reception, saying, “Not sure. In some ways, I helped land them a future piece. So with that, I’m not sure how the reception will be.”
Different Strokes For Different Folks: PG vs. Conley
George isn’t the only Celtic who has been through an emotional reunion. We saw Mike Conley, a 12-year Grizzlies legend, get a hero’s welcome and showered with appreciation in Memphis when he first played against them after their full-scale rebuild. Their experiences couldn’t be farther apart. Conley was a foundational player drafted by his team, someone whose legacy was cemented. George was a two-year rental, even if he did have some incredible moments. Tonight, the focus will be on that reception: will Philly fans boo a guy who delivered a playoff comeback, or acknowledge the “future piece” he helped them get? Either way, you know the atmosphere is going to be electric when that ball tips off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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