Paul George heard the chatter. After his first season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers was plagued by injury issues and declining production, the “washed” allegations started flying. Given his age – he turned 35 in May – such claims were understandable, but George’s goal this season was to prove that they were unfounded.

Paul George pushed back against “washed” talk after the Sixers’ loss to Atlanta, citing his efficiency and All-Star form.

From Joel Embiid's aggression as a driver to Paul George's role versatility and late-game heroics, a look back at how the Sixers' two highest-paid players carried the load with Tyrese Maxey out on Friday.

Embiid (knee) will play in Friday's game against the Pacers. The 76ers have cleared Embiid for action as they continue to monitor his left knee. The superstar big man will be looking to jump-start his season Friday following an uneven start to the year based on his lofty standards.

Tyrese Maxey and the rest of the Philadelphia 76ers react to Joel Embiid's big performance in a win over the Indiana Pacers.