Paul George rediscovered 'pop' while making Celtics history in Boston debut

Boston Celtics forward Paul George. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Paul George rediscovered 'pop' while making Celtics history in Boston debut

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 20, 2026 11:12 PM ET

Who would've guessed beleaguered forward Paul George would set a franchise record in his debut with the Boston Celtics?

George scored a game-high 38 points on Tuesday night in a 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons, setting a Celtics record for most points in a debut. Clearly, the nine-time All-Star is feeling like his former self after a self-described shaky training camp.

Paul George discusses 38-point performance

"Legs were just heavy. I was winded a lot of times," George said. "I'm getting my legs back. I feel like I'm getting my pop back, and so that was kind of the difference-maker."

A healed left knee is one reason George has regained some of his explosiveness. The forward underwent surgery on it before the 2025-26 season. He didn't undergo any operations this offseason and now feels rejuvenated.

Paul George has set the record for most points in a Celtics debut, surpassing Kristaps Porziņģis’ 30 points in 2023.

George has 31 points with the third quarter still in progress. pic.twitter.com/Jcal9U7Ek9
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 20, 2026

Paul George on shaking off rough training camp:

“Legs were just heavy. I was winded a lot of times…I’m getting my legs back. I feel like I'm getting my pop back and so that was kind of the difference maker.”
-@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/DdjvxwjEtC
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) October 20, 2026

"My stint with the [Los Angeles Clippers]," George, who starred for L.A. from 2019-24, said when asked when he last felt this healthy. "I was pretty healthy to finish my last year there, and then honestly, going to Philly, I just had a really bad hyperextension that really set me back, and I couldn't quite shake that one — it was an ongoing thing of my leg, my knee not feeling strong, and it was rough, right? Because I was trying to rest, but I was also trying to be available for the team, and just couldn't quite find the time to let it all come together."

Asked Paul George when the last time was that he felt this healthy:

“My stint in LA. I was pretty healthy to finish my last year there, and then honestly, going to Philly, I just had a bad hyperextension that really set me back, and I couldn't quite shake that one — it was an… pic.twitter.com/6jqmbROmSm
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) October 20, 2026

George's season opener with Boston may signal he's now 100 percent. That's excellent for the Eastern Conference squad.

This offseason, the Celtics sent guard Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for George in a heavily criticized blockbuster trade. Shipping away Brown, who turns 30 on Saturday, for a potential has-been in George looked catastrophic for Boston. But now that he has rediscovered some of his "pop," he may help the Celtics remain a factor in the Eastern Conference.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: