Paul George made his long-awaited 2025-26 regular season debut on Monday, Nov. 17 in a 110-108 victory over the LA Clippers. It was a poetic return for George, as he joined the starting lineup to help the Philadelphia 76ers defeat his former team.
The subtle development from George's return to the rotation, however, may be the most significant: Quentin Grimes played a role that was unaffected by the star's presence.
Grimes has been one of the 76ers' most valuable players during their 8-5 start to the 2025-26 season. With George missing 12 games and Joel Embiid sidelined for seven, Grimes has stepped up to help fill the void as an early Sixth Man of the Year candidate.