The Sixers beat the Hawks, but Paul George’s knee injury overshadows everything

So what does everyone want to talk about?

The Sixers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 104-89 in a preseason contest on Monday night, but didn’t escape unscathed. Paul George scored eight points tonight before exiting with what was described as left knee hyperextension.

Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Sixers with 14 points each, although neither was efficient. Maxey shot 5 of 18 from the field while Oubre shot just 4 of 12 from the field and 1 of 8 from three.

Eric Gordon started the game in place of Caleb Martin, although that seems significantly less newsworthy than before the game.

Here are some thoughts on the buzzer.

First quarter

• For the third straight game, the Sixers offense got off to a miserable start. They took one shot in the first five minutes of the game and turned it over four times. This start was certainly more understandable – three games in four nights in the preseason was absurd.
• This also happens in other areas. There was a slight delay at the start due to a broken clock over one of the rims. They seemed to have done it right when an arena employee put a clock on the floor in the meantime, poor guy.
• That stoppage seemed to do the trick as the Sixers went on a 9-2 run when play resumed. George shot the ball well, mostly on pull-up jumpers, and went 3-of-4 in the quarter.

• The first substitutes to come on tonight were Caleb Martin, Kyle Lowry and Guerschon Yabusele – there were no real surprises there. Martin and Oubre each scored a basket in transition and finished the game with 23.

Second quarter

• In a unit with a good mix of starters and backups, the Sixers moved the ball (and off the ball) really well to open the quarter. The first six field goals they made in the second period were all assisted
• For the first time this preseason, Yabusele was allowed to play with four as he shared the field with Andre Drummond for a minute and a half. He’s not the quickest to cross or close the three-point line, which may be why he hasn’t played there yet. However, he performed well on offense, hitting a three-pointer and filling the lane for Lowry, who rewarded him with a quick break layup.
• As if breaking the clock in the first quarter wasn’t bad enough, there were two whole challenges in the second. Straight to prison for everyone involved.
• Towards the end of the half there were some interesting plays in the one-on-one between Maxey and Drummond. Drummond found Maxey for a floater on a give-and-go that looked good, even if it was just wide. This praise was also a nice sign. It feels like Maxey may continue to have an easier time throwing lobs so close to the rim. The Sixers led by six at halftime.

Third quarter

• Paul George did not return in the second half and was not on the bench. Hopefully it’s nothing more than a “it’s the third game in four nights and it’s still preseason” thing than anything really serious.
• Meanwhile, on the field, the Sixers once again got off to a sloppy start; He opened the half shooting 3 of 9 from the floor. Maxey seemed to make it a point to shoot as many three-pointers as possible, but on the night he was only 2 of 9. Drummond also made two three-pointers tonight, but missed both and was very hesitant to make the second three-pointer.
• With his death, Lowry is able to help many people who have difficulty finding the right path. He threw a more traditional lob to KJ Martin in transition, but this one he threw here as the Hawks defense came back was so creative.

• Jared McCain checked in about four minutes in. That probably gives us a good idea of ​​who is in the regular rotation to start things off, as he was the first new backup in quite some time. He missed both three-pointers, but he still managed a layup. The Sixers led by eight after three.

Fourth quarter

• The end of the bench continued to intrude as Reggie Jackson and Ricky Council IV checked in for the first time. Council, who hadn’t played his best ball at the start of pre-season, came into play and almost immediately rolled over Vit Krejci to attack him.
• At this point in the evening, the team had announced that Paul George had left the game due to an injury, but basketball continued to be played. Yabusele continued to play well on offense, hitting three more times and sliding down the lane on a throw for a dunk.

• Adem Bona, Jeff Dowtin Jr. and Justin Edwards were the last Sixers to check in for the evening. Edwards had a nice layup and knocked down a three-pointer. McCain had some nice faceoff ball moments on drives, which he has done well this preseason. The council made things worse by knocking a three out of the logo, so it wasn’t all bad tonight!
• The Sixers are back home for their next preseason game, which means it will be televised on NBC Sports Philadelphia. They face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET.