Paul George Finds His Groove in Philly, Nets Make History, and Cavs Await Merrill’s Return
Paul George Looks Like Himself Again - and That’s Big for Philly
Paul George picked the perfect time to remind everyone just how dangerous he can be. In Sunday night’s loss to Atlanta, George exploded for 35 points, drilling 7-of-10 from deep and looking every bit like the All-NBA version of himself. Maybe even more importantly, he showed no signs of the left knee issue that kept him out of the first dozen games of the season.
It’s been a long road back for George, who was limited to just 41 games last year. That stretch of missed time played a major role in the 76ers’ late-season unraveling, and when he signed a four-year, $211.6 million deal at age 34, plenty of people raised eyebrows. But George isn’t worried about the noise - he’s focused on feeling like himself again.
“I’m more myself than I was last year,” George said after the game. “That’s the positive.”
And it’s a big one. George is starting to look more fluid in Philadelphia’s system, playing with the kind of freedom that makes him so tough to guard.
He’s not just a spot-up threat - he’s creating, moving, and defending with confidence. That kind of rhythm doesn’t just happen overnight, especially after a long layoff.
But if this version of George is here to stay, the Sixers just got a major boost in a crowded Eastern Conference race.
Cavs Still Waiting on Sam Merrill’s Finger to Heal
In Cleveland, patience is wearing thin - not because of performance, but because of a pesky injury that just won’t go away.
Sharpshooter Sam Merrill has been sidelined for about a month now after jamming his right finger in a collision during a game. And while there’s been some progress - the swelling is down, and there’s no structural damage - Merrill still hasn’t returned to full basketball activity. He’s been working out individually with his finger wrapped, but he’s not close to being game-ready.
“He’s frustrated. We’re frustrated,” said head coach Kenny Atkinson. “It’s just a slow healing process.”
The Cavs are taking a cautious approach, and understandably so. Merrill’s value lies in his shooting touch, and without full use of that right hand, there’s no sense rushing him back. But for a team that could use his spacing and scoring off the bench, the wait isn’t easy.
Nets Dominate Bucks, Tie Franchise Record in Blowout Win
Don’t look now, but the Brooklyn Nets are starting to turn some heads - and Sunday’s statement win over Milwaukee was impossible to ignore.
The Nets didn’t just beat the Bucks. They buried them.
A 127-82 final score tied the largest margin of victory in franchise history, and it came with head coach Jordi Fernandez sidelined due to illness. Assistant Steve Hetzel stepped in and earned his first career win in style.
“It was a great feeling,” Hetzel said. “I don’t think anybody that stepped on the court played poorly.”
He’s not wrong. The Nets got balanced production across the board and held Milwaukee scoreless for the final seven minutes - a stretch of dominance that’s rare in today’s NBA, especially against a team with championship pedigree.
The win marked Brooklyn’s fourth in six games, and it’s a sign that this young roster is starting to come together. After an 0-7 start to the season, the Nets are now just three games back of a play-in spot.
Even more encouraging? Four of their five first-round picks played significant minutes in the win.
That’s not just development - it’s impact.
“This is the NBA,” said rookie Noah Clowney. “You don’t do that often to anybody.”
He’s right. Blowouts like that don’t happen by accident.
The Nets are playing with energy, chemistry, and a chip on their shoulder. And if their young core keeps trending upward, Brooklyn might be a tougher out than anyone expected.