Sixers Bell Ringer: Few positives from a sloppy loss to the Clippers

Tyrese Maxey was forced to leave the game and the Sixers’ offense went ice cold in a loss to the Clippers Wednesday.

Sixers Bell Ringer regular season standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 2
Guerschon Yabusele – 2
Jared McCain – 1
Kelly Oubre, Jr. – 1

When it rains it freaking pours.

The Sixers were doomed by a disastrous third quarter and turnovers as they fell to James Harden and the Clippers Wednesday night in Paul George’s return to L.A. They’re now 1-6 as this hellish start to the season continues..

And in the “last thing they need” category, Tyrese Maxey left the game after the third and headed to the locker room with what the team called right hamstring soreness. He did not return.

The Sixers actually got off to a hot start in this one and led 27-24. George got off to a nice start shooting, but again struggled with turnovers. He was far from alone there though as the team finished with 20 turnovers on the night. Still, the Sixers remained competitive in the second quarter and the game was tied at the half.

Then it all unraveled in the third. The Sixers’ offense went ice cold and Harden started to get hot. The Clippers won the quarter 33-17 and the game wasn’t competitive from there.

The Sixers will close out their West Coast swing with a game against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday. Let’s get to Bell Ringer.

Paul George: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, 1 block

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

As mentioned, George looked better Wednesday. He nailed two threes to begin the game, helping the Sixers play through a sloppy start.

Unfortunately, George himself contributed to that sloppiness with four first quarter turnovers. Still, George looked much more in a rhythm. He also filled up the stat sheet and was much more active in general.

The Clippers went on their massive run in the third with George on the bench. It seemed like Nick Nurse was hoping he could keep things close and save the rest of George’s minutes for the fourth. It didn’t work out that way. George’s stint in the final frame was brief and he wound up playing only 23 minutes on the night. He finished with a team-high 18 points (tied with Kelly Oubre, Jr.) and shot 7-of-9 from the floor and 2-of-3 from deep.

Kelly Oubre, Jr.: 18 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal

Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

Honestly, the candidates are sparse because the team simply didn’t play well. Oubre is a choice because he did join George with 18 points. It was an efficient night for Oubre (8-of-12), which always nice to see. He also had three assists on the night, which is encouraging for a player that often gets tunnel vision.

This find on a Caleb Martin cut was a nice play by both guys.

KJ Martin: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal

Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

George wasn’t the only player making his return to L.A. Admittedly, there was a bit less fanfare for that. Martin had a strong stint in the second quarter with a bench-heavy unit. He’s proven to be a useful player in certain situations and matchups.

He’s been the recipient of a few nice lobs already this season.