Celtics collapse late, Paul George shines in debut against Pistons
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 11:07 PM
Last updated Oct 20, 2026
The Boston Celtics lost their season opener to the Detroit Pistons 121-113 on October 20, 2026. Despite leading for most of the game, the Celtics faltered in the fourth quarter, allowing a 23-0 run by the Pistons that turned the tide. Paul George made his Celtics debut, setting a franchise record for most points in a debut with 31 points. The Celtics entered the game without Jaylen Brown, with hopes resting on their new acquisition, George. Boston will look to improve as the season progresses.
- •Celtics lose to Pistons 121-113 in season opener.
- •Boston led before a fourth quarter collapse.
- •Paul George scores 31 points in debut for Celtics.
- •Pistons completed a 23-0 run in the final quarter.
- •Celtics played without Jaylen Brown.
- 11:14 PMESPN — George's 38 not enough as Pistons rally to defeat Celtics
- 11:00 PMYahoo Sports — Paul George’s Celtics Debut: 38 Points In Loss
- 9:49 PMYahoo Sports — Celtics collapse in fourth quarter to spoil Paul George's debut
"Paul George’s Boston Celtics debut delivered an impressive individual performance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Boston from falling 121-113 to the Detroit Pistons. The veteran forward finished with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists, and five steals, shooting 57.1% from the field and knocking down 7-of-12 three-point attempts. Paul George Makes a Statement in …
"Paul George poured in 38 points in his Celtics debut, but it wasn't enough as the Pistons rallied late to down Boston 121-113 in Tuesday's season opener.
"The Boston Celtics had a fourth quarter collapsed to lose the season opener to the Detroit Pistons and spoiled the franchise debut of Paul George.
Sources
External links- ESPNOct 20, 2026, 11:14 PMGeorge's 38 not enough as Pistons rally to defeat Celtics
Paul George poured in 38 points in his Celtics debut, but it wasn't enough as the Pistons rallied late to down Boston 121-113 in Tuesday's season opener.
- Yahoo SportsOct 20, 2026, 11:00 PMPaul George’s Celtics Debut: 38 Points In Loss
Paul George’s Boston Celtics debut delivered an impressive individual performance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Boston from falling 121-113 to the Detroit Pistons. The veteran forward finished with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists, and five steals, shooting 57.1% from the field and knocking down 7-of-12 three-point attempts. Paul George Makes a Statement in …
- Yahoo SportsOct 20, 2026, 9:49 PMCeltics collapse in fourth quarter to spoil Paul George's debut
The Boston Celtics had a fourth quarter collapsed to lose the season opener to the Detroit Pistons and spoiled the franchise debut of Paul George.
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