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Sixers star back at his old place of work
“This is stupid”: Paul George on boos from Clippers fans
In his first game against the LA Clippers, Paul George received a video tribute, but also some boos from the Clippers fans. The Sixers star said after the game that he found the reaction “stupid” and continued to have a good relationship with the club.
At the first meeting with his former team, the LA Clippers, Paul George had to endure not only applause but also boos from the fans in the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood. In front of the 15,627 spectators, George scored 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals, but the Philadelphia 76ers ultimately lost 110:98 to the Clippers. After the game, George thanked the club for the video tribute and praised the Clippers as a “first-class franchise,” but expressed incomprehension at the fans’ boos: “That’s stupid,” George said. “I was a free agent and did what was best for me.”
NBA: Clippers contract and podcast comments as a point of contention
George, who signed with the Sixers for four years as a free agent in the summer, explained that he wanted to stay with the Clippers but insisted on a no-trade clause for the requested contract extension, which the Clippers rejected. In addition, some fans were upset by George’s podcast comment that he sometimes felt like he was on the “B team” of Los Angeles with the Clippers, as many Lakers fans urged him to move to the Lakers. In “The Wall” fan zone, some fans held signs that read “PG THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.”
However, George emphasized that he continues to maintain good relationships with the Clippers’ leadership, including team owner Steve Ballmer and President Lawrence Frank. “My relationship with Steve Ballmer and Lawrence Frank has been great throughout,” George said, praising their collaboration during his five seasons with the Clippers. Frank told ESPN that while the team was willing to make George a three-year, $150 million offer, they waived a no-trade clause due to age and budget considerations.
Aside from the boos, George experienced a lot of support from former teammates and acquaintances. Before the game started, he chatted with James Harden and spent about 15 minutes after the game saying goodbye to Clippers employees and former colleagues like Ivica Zubac. George emphasized that there is “no bad blood” between him and the organization, adding, “These bonds are lifelong, whether we are still teammates or not.”
Head coach Tyronn Lue’s team continues against the Sacramento Kings on Friday evening (4:00 a.m. German time).
