Basketball fans love a clean narrative. We want a guy to be either "washed" or "back," but looking at Paul George last 10 games, honestly, it’s just not that simple. If you’re just scrolling through box scores, you might think the nine-time All-Star is struggling to find his footing in Philadelphia. You see the shooting percentages dip, the point totals stay in the teens, and you start wondering if that massive contract was a mistake. But if you actually sit down and watch the tape from late December through mid-January 2026, the story gets a whole lot more nuanced.
The reality? George is currently navigating the "Third Option" paradox while his body occasionally reminds him he’s a veteran in his 16th season.
The Raw Data: Paul George Last 10 Games Breakdown
Let's get the numbers out of the way first. Over his last 10 appearances—stretching from a gritty December 19th win against the Knicks to the recent January 14th clash with Cleveland—George has averaged 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Those aren't exactly "superstar" numbers. Not for a guy making over $50 million.
His efficiency has been a rollercoaster. Take the January 7th game against Washington, for example. He was surgical, dropping 23 points on 63.6% shooting. Then, literally two nights later in Orlando, he went 8-for-21. That’s a lot of metal hitting the rim. He even had a complete dud against Denver on January 5th where he managed only 8 points.
But here’s the thing: his impact isn’t just about the bucket-getting anymore.
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- Defensive Gravity: Even when his shot is broken, teams can't leave him. This opens up massive lanes for Tyrese Maxey.
- The "Stocks" Factor: He’s been surprisingly active on the defensive end. In that Orlando win, he grabbed 3 steals and 2 blocks.
- Playmaking: He’s consistently hitting the 4-6 assist mark, acting as a secondary hub when the defense collapses on Joel Embiid.
Why the Shooting Slump is Polarizing
If you’ve watched the Sixers lately, you’ve probably noticed George settling for a lot of contested jumpers. Earlier in this 10-game stretch, his average shot distance was creeping up, and he was only attacking the rim about 10% of the time. That’s usually a sign a player doesn't trust their legs.
However, something shifted around the turn of the year.
Against Dallas on New Year's Day and again versus New York on January 3rd, George looked... different. He started taking that extra dribble downhill. Instead of a fadeaway long two, he was using his 6'8" frame to get into the chest of defenders. It didn't always result in a made layup—sometimes it was just a trip to the free-throw line—but it forced the defense to respect his drive.
Nick Nurse has been vocal about this. He doesn't need Paul George to be the Indiana Pacers version of himself. He needs the guy who can facilitate a "swarming" defense alongside VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. When George is aggressive, the Sixers' defensive rating skyrockets.
The Knee Soreness and the "Late Scratch" Drama
We have to talk about the availability. This is the part that drives Sixers fans up the wall.
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On January 11th, George was a late scratch for a game against Toronto due to left knee soreness. It happened literally minutes before tip-off. For a fan base that has dealt with "injury management" since the dawn of time, it felt like a nightmare.
He did return for the second half of that back-to-back, but he looked tentative. He’s currently listed under "injury management" almost every other night. This constant in-and-out rhythm makes it nearly impossible for a rhythm shooter like PG-13 to find a groove. When you’re playing 33 minutes one night and then sitting in a suit the next, your timing on those catch-and-shoot threes is going to be off.
Is he actually a "Third Option" now?
Probably. And honestly, that might be okay. With Maxey playing at an MVP level (averaging over 30 points a night) and Embiid demanding every double-team in existence, George is often the one standing in the corner.
His usage rate has dropped significantly compared to his time with the Clippers. In his last 10 games, he’s had multiple nights with fewer than 12 field goal attempts. For a guy who used to carry franchises, that’s a massive psychological adjustment. He’s basically becoming the world's most overqualified 3-and-D wing, which explains why his raw stats look underwhelming while his plus-minus (+48 over the last 10) remains mostly positive.
What to Watch Moving Forward
If you're tracking Paul George last 10 games to see where the Sixers are headed, ignore the points. Seriously.
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Instead, look at his "downhill" attempts. If he’s settling for 18-foot jumpers, the Sixers' offense becomes stagnant and predictable. If he’s getting into the paint, it triggers a chain reaction of ball movement that makes Philly almost impossible to guard.
Also, keep an eye on his chemistry with VJ Edgecombe. The rookie has been spearheading bench runs with George lately, and that duo has shown more defensive versatility than almost any other pairing on the roster.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're betting on or analyzing his next stretch, keep these factors in mind:
- Back-to-Back Caution: Avoid expecting big numbers on the second leg of back-to-backs. The team is clearly prioritizing his health over mid-January stats.
- Home vs. Away: George has historically shot better at the Wells Fargo Center this season, though his recent road trip showed he's capable of defensive outbursts anywhere.
- The "Maxey Effect": When Maxey is off the floor, George's usage spikes. If Maxey misses time, expect George’s scoring to jump back into the 20s immediately.
Paul George isn't the player he was in 2019, and he’s not trying to be. He’s trying to be the piece that finally fits next to Embiid. It’s clunky, it’s frustrating, and it’s occasionally brilliant. Just don't expect the box score to tell you the whole truth.