Paul George Shines in Celtics Debut, Reflects on Injury Struggles
Nine-time All-Star scores franchise-record 38 points in loss to Pistons, discusses past health issues.
Paul George made a record-setting debut for the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, scoring 38 points in a 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Despite the outcome, George's performance offered a promising glimpse of his potential for the Celtics, particularly after injury-plagued stints with his previous teams.
George stated that the last time he felt this healthy was near the end of his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers. He admitted that an injury lingered during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, which impacted his ability to fully recover.
"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 ongoing thing of my leg, my knee not feeling strong, and it was rough, right?" George, 36, said.
He added, "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."
Injury setbacks and load management have been notable themes in George's recent seasons with the Clippers and the 76ers. Since playing 77 games in the 2018-19 campaign, his last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he has played at least 57 regular-season games only once.
The Celtics will visit New York City on Friday to face the Knicks. Both teams are seeking their first win of the 2026-27 season after dropping their respective openers.