DETROIT — Paul George Philadelphia injury issues dominated his post-game locker room session right after his electrifying 38-point debut in green. While fans were buzzing about him torching the Pistons from deep, PG kept it real with reporters about what was holding him back over the last couple of years. He opened up about dealing with a nasty, lingering knee issue with the Sixers that kept him from feeling right on the floor or playing with his usual bounce.
“My stint in LA. I was pretty healthy to finish my last year there, and then honestly, going to Philly, I just had a bad hyperextension that really set me back, and I couldn’t quite shake that one — it was an ongoing thing of my leg, my knee not feeling strong, and it was rough, right? Because I was trying to rest, but I was also trying to be available for the team, and just couldn’t quite find the time to let it all come together.“
Hearing George open up about that grueling cycle explains why his movement looked so different in preseason and on Tuesday night.
How The Paul George Philadelphia Injury Issues Made Him Miss Time
| Season | Games Played | Primary Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 (Clippers) | 74 Games | All-Star Availability |
| 2024-25 (Philadelphia) | 41 Games | Knee & Groin Inflammation |
| 2025-26 (Philadelphia) | 37 Games | Lingering Hyperextension |
| 2026-27 (Boston) | 100% Clean | Rejuvenated 38-Point Debut |
That bad hyperextension in Philly completely derailed his rhythm over the last two seasons. He was constantly trying to suit up and hold down the fort, but pushing through the pain just led to more missed time and frustrated nights. After putting up a durable 74-game run with the Clippers back in 2023-24, PG was sidelined for huge stretches in Philly, getting held to just 41 and 37 games played over his back-to-back years there.
A Rejuvenated Bucket Getter Ready To Work For Boston
Hearing George confirm that his legs feel fresh and strong again is music to the ears of Joe Mazzulla and the front office. When PG is healthy and moving with pop, he gives Boston an effortless bucket getter who takes pressure off the rest of the floor. If he can leave those nagging knee issues in the past and stay out of the trainer’s room, Boston is looking at a star who can actually post his highest game count in years and survive a grueling campaign.
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