Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George waits to be introduced during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George makes his way past the Clippers’ bench before their game on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. George had 18 points in 24 minutes in his first game against his former team, but the Clippers won, 110-98. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Clippers guard James Harden, right, reacts as he handles the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue watches from the sidelines during the first half of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George directs a play as he brings the ball up the court during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. George had 18 points in 24 minutes in his first game against his former team, but the Clippers won, 110-98. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George handles the ball in front of Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George shoots as Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. defends during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. George had 18 points in 24 minutes in his first game against his former team, but the Clippers won, 110-98. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, right, defends against Clippers guard Terance Mann during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr., left, and Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George vie for a loose ball during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond dunks in front of Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George handles the ball in front of Clippers forward Nicolas Batum during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) The Philadelphia 76ers Kelly Oubre Jr., front, reacts as he attempts a layup in front of Clippers star James Harden during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. reacts to a foul during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin, left, drives as Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard Norman Powell reacts after a basket during the first half of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse looks up at the video board during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George drives as Clippers star James Harden defends during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr., left, shoots as Clippers guard Norman Powell defends during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) and Clippers guard James Harden, left, react after a call during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, center, reacts as he is fouled by Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, while shooting as 76er center Andre Drummond looks on during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George reacts during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George waves to the crowd during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George sits on the bench during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, right, drives as teammate Guerschon Yabusele looks for a pass during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George, left, defends against Clippers guard James Harden during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) The Philadelphia 76ers’ KJ Martin, right, reacts toward teammate Tyrese Maxeyas Clippers star James Harden looks on during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George reviews video on a tablet while on the bench during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George tries to drive to the basket between the Clippers’ Norman Powell, left, and James Harden during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. George had 18 points in 24 minutes in his first game against his former team, but the Clippers won, 110-98. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George passes the ball in front of the Clippers’ Kevin Porter Jr. during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reacts on the sideline during the first half of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives against Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) and center Ivica Zubac, right, during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George shoots in front of Clippers guard James Harden during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond celebrates after his 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr., left, reacts while shooting in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, center, and Paul George during the first half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, left, and teammate Caleb Martin talk during a pause in play in the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond, left, and forward Paul George during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard Norman Powell celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse reacts from the sideline during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyle Lowry, center, and Tyrese Maxey, right, react next to Clippers guard James Harden during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, catches a pass in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Reggie Jackson during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey reacts during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard Norman Powell, center, shoots in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry, left, and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard James Harden, right, shoots in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard Kris Dunn, left, blocks Philadelphia 76ers guard Ricky Council IV during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard Norman Powell passes the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain, right, during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, left, and Clippers guard Kris Dunn battle for position during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, takes a 3-point shot as Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain defends during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George reacts as he makes his way to the bench after a timeout during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain, right, drives as Clippers guard Bones Hyland defends during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard Norman Powell takes a shot in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, celebrates a Philadelphia 76ers foul with teammate Kris Dunn during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, middle, reacts to his foul with center Andre Drummond behind Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr., right, during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George fouls Clippers center Ivica Zubac as he goes up for a shot during the second half on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George reacts to a 76ers foul during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, top left, greets his parents, Paulette George, center, and Paul George Sr. after a game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George warms up before their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, left, warms up before their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Clippers guard James Harden warms up before their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, left, warms up before their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Jared McCain stands on the court before their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Show Caption1 of 61Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George waits to be introduced during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Expand INGLEWOOD — Homecomings usually are full of warm welcomes, fond appreciation and admiration. Not, however, if your initials are PG. There was little love from the fans on Wednesday night at Intuit Dome as Paul George returned to town for the first time to face the Clippers, the team he spent five seasons with before moving east as a free agent this summer. George hit his share of memorable game-winning shots and helped lead the Clippers to their first Western Conference finals in 2021, but the only thing many of the fans wanted to focus on Wednesday was how the nine-time All-Star shunned an extension offer from the Clippers and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason. They showed their feelings quickly, booing as soon as George got the ball off the opening tip. He brought the ball up the court a few minutes later and was booed a bit more heartily. In fact, every time he touched the ball, the sparse crowd at Intuit Dome booed. Even after a tribute video, highlighting many of his on- and off-court contributions to the team and community, was played on the giant halo video board, some fans cheered; most booed. Still others held signs suggesting the Palmdale native play more and talk less, a shot at his “Podcast P” program. “It was great,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “They booed him, tried to get him out of his game even though he didn’t miss too many shots, but now they can cheer for him tomorrow.” Through it all, though, George played on. In his second game this season (he missed the first five with an injury), he had 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting and seven rebounds in a 110-98 loss to a team that bears little resemblance to the roster from his time here. The Clippers added nine new players in the offseason. “It’s stupid,” George said of the booing. “I was a free agent. It wasn’t something that I demanded a trade or went against the team here. I did what was best for me in that situation.” Yet, it was two faces familiar to George who led the Clippers. Norman Powell had a game-high 26 points, his seventh straight game with 20-plus points, while James Harden added 18 points, four rebounds and six assists. Derrick Jones Jr., who took over George’s starting role, finished with 14 points and four rebounds as the Clippers improved to 4-4. George had spurned the Clippers’ extension offer and after negotiations stalled, he opted out of the final year on his contract and signed a four-year, $212 million max-level deal with the 76ers. George said he anticipated a rough start to the game. “My emotions were high,” George said. “It was obviously a lot of love, a lot of family within this organization, so it was emotional. Anytime I tried to lock in and get prepared, I look over and see someone that I knew instantly. It took me out of that mindset of getting prepared and then I try to lock back in and there as another person. “So those moments, it makes it difficult kind of just to get preparation down, but outside of that I try to just play.” The Clippers didn’t get swept up in the emotion of seeing their former teammate. They were all business in winning their second straight game, doing so in unpredictable fashion by building a double-digit lead in the second half and maintaining it while shooting 57% for the night. Blowing late-game leads had become a troubling trend for the Clippers this season, which pushed their first five games down to the wire. Not this time. Leading by 16 points after a strong third quarter, the Clippers didn’t fold. They extended their lead to 22 (103-81) with six minutes remaining. The rest was easy as the Sixers didn’t mount much of a challenge despite having three other players in double figures and shooting 54.8%. Kelly Oubre finished with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting for the 76ers, while Caleb Martin had 14 points and Tyrese Maxey added 12. “I think every game we’ve been in the game scrapping and competing. Some games we’ve been up big, wasn’t able to sustain it, but just overall, we’re just getting better each game,” Lue said. “Understanding how to close games, how we want to close games and when we get those leads, we got to be good with the basketball. We can’t turn the basketball over, can’t take bad shots. And I think the last couple of games we’ve gotten better with that.” Harden agreed with his coach. He sees improvement in each game, starting with Monday’s victory over the San Antonio Spurs when they erased a 26-point first-quarter deficit. “Well, the last game, we got down what seemed like 50 points but then from the second half of the last game to this game, I think we just played well,” Harden said. He said the Clippers fell into bad habits against the Sixers early on, wasting several possessions, like when he lost the ball and George picked it up and then the Clippers fouled him. They fouled Martin on two or three possessions, leading to more free throws. Lue chewed his team out at halftime. Related Articles Clippers | Paul George gets back on the court in time to face Clippers Clippers | Clippers find something in reserve, rally past Spurs for 1st Intuit Dome win Clippers | There are issues aplenty in Clippers’ rough six-game start Clippers | Clippers fall to Thunder, now 0-4 at Intuit Dome Clippers | Can James Harden carry these Clippers at 35? “Coach came in and got on us,” Powell said, “that there were a few plays that where we weren’t playing hard enough.” The Clippers responded by cutting down its mistakes, not turning over the ball and making the right play, enabling them to build a substantial lead in the second half. “That’s where we can correct ourselves,” Harden said of the mistakes “… we can do a better job of controlling that and that’s what’s allowing us to break these games open.” There wasn’t any public interaction before the game between injured Clippers star Kawhi Leonard and George, who joined the team together in the summer of 2019 and were the co-leaders of the 213 Era for five seasons, but George insisted the two remain close. “That’s still my guy, I still talk to him. He’s still one of the closest people I am with to this day in this league. We still talk. We still hang out. Nothing’s changed,” George said earlier Wednesday. “Our families are close. Nothing’s changed outside of that.”