George laments 'bad' Sixers debut

Forward Paul George didn't mince words when evaluating his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers.

"It was bad," George said after the Sixers' 118-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

George recorded 15 points on 4-of-14 shooting, five rebounds, four assists, and six turnovers in 32 minutes. He played on a minutes restriction after missing the first five games of the season due to a hyperextended knee sustained in preseason.

The 34-year-old missed his first five and last three shots, including a 2-point attempt preferred over a three that could have won the contest. Suns star Kevin Durant made a driving layup over George with 24 seconds left that ultimately decided the game.

"Again, bad evaluation," George said of his late-game decision. "I thought we were down one. I thought when KD made the layup that put them up one. Otherwise, go for the three to try to win the game opposed to going for a two to tie the game.

"So after watching it, another bonehead play. Again in that situation, why not go for the win?"

Despite the disappointing performance, George was relieved he completed the game without any lingering health issues.

"The good thing about it, though, I was able to go out there and compete free of any thoughts of my body not holding up," George said, per Pompey. "I felt completely fine. That was the positive in it. But all around it was definitely a rusty game."

Monday's defeat dropped the 76ers to 1-5.

George, a nine-time All-Star, joined the Sixers on a four-year, $212-million contract after spending five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. He'll return to face his former team Wednesday.