Sixers vs. Timberwolves Preseason Clash: Paul George Debuts, Stars Sit Out
The preseason matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves set the stage for an intriguing face-off, despite the absence of several marquee names. For the Timberwolves, who shook things up in the offseason by trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, this game was an opportunity to evaluate new players and develop their system under head coach Chris Finch. Meanwhile, for the 76ers, this preseason contest marked Paul George’s much-anticipated debut with the team, following his blockbuster acquisition. Unfortunately, star center Joel Embiid was sidelined for a scheduled evaluation on his knee, leaving Tyrese Maxey and George to take the spotlight.
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George’s debut, though in a preseason setting, carried a lot of significance for the Sixers as they look to integrate him into a lineup that also features Maxey, now on a max contract. Maxey's early preseason performance had already sparked excitement, scoring 15 points in just 12 minutes against the New Zealand Breakers. This game offered more time to build chemistry between George and Maxey as they work towards a potentially dynamic partnership for the season ahead. George himself expressed his goal to use this game to build up his conditioning, focusing on running the floor and creating space for Maxey, rather than worrying too much about individual performance.
On the Timberwolves side, much attention was paid to their new-look roster, especially after adding Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. While Randle was not ready to hit the court just yet, DiVincenzo made an early impact, knocking down three three-pointers and showing why his presence could be a key factor for Minnesota’s offense. Timberwolves rookie Rob Dillingham also continued to impress, looking comfortable and poised as he competed for a regular-season role.
Despite the big names mostly watching from the sidelines, the game was an excellent opportunity to see role players and rising stars showcase their skills. Preseason games like this are critical for teams to work out kinks, find rotations that click, and start building momentum ahead of the regular season. It may not have been the most high-profile battle, but for both the Sixers and Timberwolves, it was another step closer to what promises to be a very competitive NBA season.
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