Paul George has played in hundreds of important NBA games. He’s been in playoff battles, represented multiple franchises, and established himself as one of the most accomplished two-way players in the league.
Yet walking onto the TD Garden floor wearing a Boston Celtics uniform still made the 36-year-old nervous. George made his Celtics debut Saturday night in Boston’s 144-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. His performance included 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals in 25 minutes.
The stats were encouraging, especially his defensive production. But George’s comments afterward offered an even more interesting look at Boston’s new team.
Paul George admits his Celtics debut was different
George acknowledged that even after 16 previous NBA seasons, the emotions surrounding his first game with a new organization haven’t gone away.
“Still nervous,” George told reporters after the game.
Paul George Celtics debut: 13 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 5 STL, 3/10 FG https://t.co/tCbEzIpOLC
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) October 11, 2026
The veteran explained that Boston’s championship expectations and winning tradition added another level of pressure. George was acquired from Philadelphia in the offseason in a blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. The move immediately raised questions about how Boston would replace Brown’s production and whether George could still play at an elite level.
Saturday offered an encouraging first impression.
George struggled with his shooting early, finishing 3 of 10 from the field and 2 of 7 from beyond the arc. But he remained active defensively, throwing five interceptions and helping Boston defeat Philadelphia. His defensive activity was particularly notable as it demonstrated that George can contribute even when his offensive rhythm isn’t quite there.
MORE: What Jayson Tatum needs to do to win MVP this season
George reveals important details about Jayson Tatum
Perhaps the most interesting revelation came when George discussed playing alongside Jayson Tatum. Although they spent training camp together, Saturday represented their first opportunity to play on the same team in a competition.
George explained that they had been competing against each other throughout camp rather than developing chemistry as teammates. That makes Boston’s remaining preseason games particularly important.
George repeatedly emphasized that his responsibility was to make the game easier for Tatum. His defensive instincts, passing ability and perimeter shooting could provide Boston with a different skill combination than what he had alongside Brown. Tatum scored 23 points in Saturday’s win, while Payton Pritchard added 25. The Celtics also dominated the rebounding battle, 70-41.
Those numbers were impressive, but George’s comments suggest the team is still learning how its most important pieces fit together. Boston opens the regular season against the Detroit Pistons on October 20.
There will be a lot more pressure when these matches start to count. For George, though, Saturday was a reminder that joining the Celtics comes with expectations unlike those surrounding many other franchises. Even a veteran with his experience can feel them.
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