George suspended 25 games as Sixers’ wing violates anti-drug policy

Four days after his best game as a 76er, nine-time All-Star Paul George has been suspended without pay by the NBA for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday morning.

The suspension starts Saturday night, when the 76ers face the Pelicans at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

On Tuesday, George made nine three-pointers and scored 32 points with five rebounds, five assists and two steals in a 139-122 win over the Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

He became the third-oldest player in NBA history with nine threes in a game, behind only Steph Curry and James Harden.

In 27 games this year, George is averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He’s the oldest player in 76ers history to average at least 16 points, five rebounds and 3½ assists per game.

George told ESPN’s Shams Charania that he was suspended for using a banned substance to address mental health issues.

“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process. I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”

George is eligible to return on March 25, when the 76ers face the Bulls in South Philadelphia. They will have only 10 regular-season games remaining when he returns.

The 76ers are 26-21 and currently in the No. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

George missed the first 12 games of the season after undergoing offeason knee surgery and he’s missed a total of 20 games this year. When he plays, the 76ers are 16-11.

In 16 seasons with the Pacers, Thunder, Clippers and 76ers, George has 19,128 career points. He needs 872 points to become the 53rd player in NBA history with 20,000 points.