Paul George Sets Celtics Debut Record in 121-113 Loss to Pistons

Paul George scored 38 points on Tuesday, the most ever by a Boston Celtic in his debut, during a 121-113 defeat against the Detroit Pistons.

The Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics 121-113 on Tuesday, overcoming a 22-point deficit to secure the largest comeback win in an NBA season opener since 1997. Paul George led Boston with 38 points in 31 minutes, setting a franchise record for the most points scored in a Celtics debut. George converted 12 of 21 field goal attempts, including 7 of 12 from three-point range, while adding five steals, five rebounds, and three assists.

Boston held a 72-50 lead early in the third quarter following three consecutive three-pointers by George in less than a minute. However, Detroit responded with a 23-0 run, capped by a Javonte Green three-pointer that gave the Pistons a 13-point lead with 3:33 remaining in the game. The Celtics became just the fifth team in 30 seasons to lose a season opener after leading by at least 22 points.

Jayson Tatum finished with 13 points and 11 assists for Boston but struggled from the floor, missing 17 of his 23 shots. George, a 36-year-old forward acquired from the 76ers for Jaylen Brown, is playing in his 17th season. His 38-point performance ranks as the fifth-highest scoring total for any player in their first game with a new NBA franchise, trailing Kyrie Irving (50), Kiki Vandeweghe (47), Wilt Chamberlain (43), and Damian Lillard (39).