NBA Notes: Sixers, Paul George, Cavs, Sam Merrill, Nets

76ers

Paul George delivered his best performance of the season Sunday night in Philadelphia’s loss at Atlanta, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. George poured in 35 points and knocked down seven of 10 attempts from beyond the arc, showing little sign of the left knee issue that sidelined him for the first 12 games of the season.

George said he is growing more comfortable within Philadelphia’s system, allowing him to play with greater freedom and confidence.

Injuries limited George to 41 games last season, a factor that contributed to the Sixers’ late collapse. His four-year, $211.6 million contract at age 34 drew skepticism at the time, but George believes improved health has put him in a better position to deliver.

“I’m more myself than I was last year,” George said. “That’s the positive.”

Cavaliers

Cavaliers shooting specialist Sam Merrill remains sidelined roughly four weeks after jamming his right finger in an on-court collision, as relayed by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Merrill wore a wrap during an individual workout last week but had limited use of his right hand, Fedor reports.

Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the frustration on both sides, noting the injury has been slow to heal but has not worsened. Swelling has decreased, and there is no structural damage, though progress has been limited.

“He’s frustrated. We’re frustrated,” Atkinson said. “It’s just a slow healing process.”

Merrill has yet to return to full basketball activity as Cleveland continues to manage the issue cautiously.

Nets

The Nets hardly resembled a rebuilding team in Sunday’s 127-82 rout of Milwaukee, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The 45-point margin tied the largest victory in franchise history and marked the first career win for assistant Steve Hetzel, who filled in for head coach Jordi Fernandez due to illness.

Brooklyn received balanced production throughout the lineup and held the Bucks scoreless for the final seven minutes of the game.

“It was a great feeling,” Hetzel said. “I don’t think anybody that stepped on the court played poorly.”

The win was Brooklyn’s fourth in six games, moving the Nets within three games of a play-in spot after an 0-7 start. Four of the team’s five first-round picks played significant roles, continuing a recent trend of increased contributions from the younger core.

“This is the NBA,” Noah Clowney said. “You don’t do that often to anybody.”