Paul George scored a franchise record 38 points in his debut with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, marking a significant return to form for the nine-time All-Star. The performance occurred during a 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons, yet it provided Boston with a clear indication of his current capabilities after years of physical setbacks.
The 36-year-old played 31 minutes to post the highest point total ever recorded by a player in their first game for the franchise. While the final score ended in defeat, George described his physical condition as the healthiest it has been since the conclusion of his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers. He attributed his recent struggles to a lingering hyperextension injury sustained during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
George explained that the knee issue prevented him from feeling strong and hindered his ability to rest effectively while remaining available for his team. "I just had a bad hyperextension that really set me back, and I couldn’t quite shake that one," George said. "It was an ongoing thing of my leg, my knee not feeling strong, and it was rough, right?" He noted that he tried to balance rest with availability but could not find the time to let the injury fully resolve.
This injury history has defined George's recent seasons with both the Clippers and the Sixers. Since playing 77 games in the 2018-19 season, his final year with Oklahoma City, George has managed to play at least 57 regular-season games only once. The consistency of his availability has been a recurring theme in his recent career trajectory.
The Celtics will look to convert this strong offensive showing into a victory when they visit New York City on Friday night. They will face the defending champion New York Knicks, with both teams currently seeking their first win of the 2026-27 season after losing their openers.