Sixers Bell Ringer: Little positive to come from a sloppy loss to the Clippers

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

When it rains, it rains heavily.

The Sixers were doomed by a disastrous third quarter and turnovers as they fell to James Harden and the Clippers in Paul George's return to LA on Wednesday night. They are 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 period and went to the locker room with right hamstring pain. He didn't return.

The Sixers actually got off to a hot start in this game, leading 27-24. George got off to a good start shooting, but again had problems with turnovers. However, he was far from the only one, as the team finished the night with 20 turnovers. Still, the Sixers remained competitive in the second quarter and the game ended in a tie at halftime.

Then everything 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 was no longer contested from then on.

The Sixers will complete their West Coast swing with a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Let's move on 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 on Wednesday. He hit two three-pointers early in the game, helping the Sixers overcome a sloppy start.

Unfortunately, George himself contributed to this sloppiness with four turnovers in the first quarter. Still, George seemed much more in rhythm. He also filled out the stat sheet and was much more active overall.

The Clippers made their tremendous run in the third period with George on the bench. It seemed like Nick Nurse was hoping he could keep things under control and save George's remaining minutes for the fourth. It didn't work out that way. George's appearance in the final frame was brief and he only played 23 minutes on the night. He finished the game with a team-high 18 points (tied with Kelly Oubre, Jr.), shooting 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

Frankly, the candidates are sparse because the team simply hasn't played well. Oubre is a pick because he joined George with 18 points. It was an efficient night for Oubre (8 of 12), which is always nice to see. He also had three assists on the night, which is encouraging for a player who often has tunnel vision.

That 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 to return to LA. Admittedly, there was a little less fanfare for this. Martin had a strong stint in the second quarter with a bench-heavy unit. He has proven to be a useful player in certain situations and matchups.

He has already received some nice lobs this season.