Paul George assesses Sixers youngsters after Game 1 loss to Celtics

BOSTON -- The Philadelphia 76ers are a veteran-laden team that has their eyes on something more, even with Joel Embiid sidelined, but for now, it's important the youngsters on the roster get some important playoff reps to understand what it's like in the NBA Playoffs. The Sixers saw rookie VJ Edgecombe, second-year players Adem Bona and Justin Edwards, and fourth-year big man Dominick Barlow all make their playoff debuts in Sunday's Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics. Edgecombe shot 6-for-16 and 0-for-5 from deep while Bona was riddled with foul trouble and Edwards had seven points off the bench.

There were flashes of success for all three players, but Paul George is focused on the youngsters getting these types of reps to help them in the future. "I thought it was a good showing for them," said George. "I thought they have an idea of the separation between regular season and postseason, but it's gonna be their own experience.

They got to go through their own experience of finding out how to prepare, how to get ready because it is a difference when it comes to postseason basketball. " Bona had a rough start to his playoff career as he picked up two fouls in the first 90 seconds of the game, and was sent to the bench early, but he was able to adjust to the speed of the game in the second half. He was able to have some success in the paint while Edgecombe was able to find a rhythm off the dribble whether it was with his jumper or in the paint after halftime.

These reps for them will help them in the future as they prepare for Game 2 on Tuesday. "So, I thought they did good," George added. "They'll get better, they'll learn, but they were locked in.