Paul George, returning from injury, scored 15 points in his 76ers debut

PHOENIX – Paul George is back, this time with the Philadelphia 76ers.

He scored 15 points in his return from a left knee injury Monday night and described his performance in his regular-season debut as “rusty.”

“The good thing about it is that I was able to go out and compete without thinking that my body could take it. I felt good all around,” George said after playing 32 minutes in a 118-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

George was 4 of 14 from the field and missed a potential tying basket in the final seconds – and he said after the game that he thought the 76ers were down by one point instead of two. He had foul trouble early on, didn't score in the first quarter and was responsible for seven of Philadelphia's 14 turnovers.

But he got going and finished with five rebounds and four assists.

“While the game was going on, I felt great,” the nine-time All-Star said. “My knee was doing better than expected. I wanted to get through this, improve my endurance and help me get through the next few games.”

George, 34, signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the LA Clippers.

Before the game, 76ers coach Nick Nurse said that center Joel Embiid, who also did not play because of a sore left knee, was “doing a little better and taking steps in the right direction.” The coach said the 7-foot Center will be reevaluated on Tuesday. Philadelphia's next game is Wednesday night in Los Angeles against the Clippers.