Paul George, Sixers talk clinching playoff spot after miserable year

PHILADELPHIA -- The vibes around the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024-25 season were miserable. The Sixers were expected to contend for a championship after the flurry of moves they made in the offseason, but injuries decimated the roster and ruined the season as Philadelphia finished 24-58.

Fast forward a year later, the Sixers still dealt with adversity as injuries once again played a role, but they were able to rally together and clinch a playoff spot. They did so with a 109-97 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, sans Joel Embiid.

For Paul George, in his second season with the Sixers after signing a 4-year $212 million deal in 2024, this is a big deal for him. He was limited to just 41 games in 2024-25, and 37 in 2025-26, but was a big part of Philadelphia's push to the playoffs.

"It means a lot," said George. "It means a lot. Again, the way last season was. That was about as tough as the season I've been a part of, but for us to turn it around, and, you know, we've dealt with some adversity this year, but we got through it. None of that matters. Now, we're playing at the best. This is what you play for. This is the best part of the season. So, we gave ourselves a chance."

While George can breathe a sigh of relief for the moment, he and the Sixers now must prepare for the tall task of defeating the Boston Celtics in Round 1 of the playoffs. That series will start on Sunday afternoon at TD Garden. He and the rest of the Sixers will have to prepare for that matchup as best they can.

As for Tyrese Maxey, as the leader of the Sixers, he couldn't allow them to miss the playoffs again. He received a call from 20-year veteran Kyle Lowry in the offseason, and made a promise to him, as well as the slew of other Sixers who have never made the playoffs before.