Sixers’ Paul George leaves game vs. Grizzlies, will not return with another left knee hyperextension

Update, 11:31 p.m.: Nick Nurse provided what could be seen as positive news regarding the knee injury Paul George suffered on Wednesday. Per Tony Jones of The Athletic:

Remember when the Sixers finally got all three members of their Big 3 on the floor for the first time?

Well, that was short lived as Paul George was forced to leave Wednesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Not even a minute into the third quarter, George landed on the foot of Desmond Bane while pulling down a defensive rebound. The Sixers were forced to call a timeout when George couldn’t even get back down the floor. He sat down briefly on the bench before heading to the locker room.

George was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a left knee hyperextension, the same knee he hyperextended in the preseason. He was diagnosed with a bone bruise that caused him to miss the first five games of the season.

The nine-time All-Star struggled in the game. He was just 1-of-6 for two points. George has flashed at times, but it looks like he’s really struggling to find his shooting rhythm so far this season.

Tyrese Maxey, who missed the last six games with a hamstring strain. returned. It was strange that he played the first five minutes of the game and then did not play the rest of the first half. Nick Nurse told reporters before the game that Maxey would be on a heavy minutes restriction, but it was an interesting approach.

The Sixers will return home from this three-game road trip and host Brooklyn Nets Friday. It’s still early days, but they should start picking up some wins soon. We’ll keep you posted as more updates on George become available.