Coverage dated October 20, 2026 to October 22, 2026

Paul George scores 38 points in a losing debut with the Celtics

Headline from WPRI Providence, from the development of Oct 20, 2026

Newest development Oct 21, 2026 · 3 reportsPaul George’s dazzling debut cause for optimism after Celtics’ season-opening setback in Detroit

He scored 38 points — the most by a Boston Celtic in his debut, and the fifth-most by a player in his first game with an NBA franchise — in a 121-113 collapsing defeat Tuesday.

WPRI Providence's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Developments in this update

3 dated developments, oldest first, newest marked. Each is named by one outlet's own headline; open its reports to see every outlet that covered it.

  1. NBA season tips off with Pistons rallying to beat Celtics 121-113, spoiling Paul George’s debut

    Headline from WHEC Rochester ·

  2. Names this update

    Paul George scores 38 points in a losing debut with the Celtics

    Headline from WPRI Providence ·

  3. Newest

    Paul George’s dazzling debut cause for optimism after Celtics’ season-opening setback in Detroit

    Headline from The Boston Globe ·

2 reports not tied to one development ·

Reports & sources

30 articles, oldest first.

  1. Fox2 Detroit

    Pistons open new season vs Celtics at Little Caesars Arena (opens Fox2 Detroit)

    Published

    Fox2 Detroit's feed description

    The Pistons open the 2026-27 season today against the Boston Celtics.

  2. NBC Boston

    Live updates: New-look Celtics clash with Pistons in season opener (opens NBC Boston)

    Published

    NBC Boston's feed description

    Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks on during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

  3. New York Post

    Celtics vs. Pistons prediction: Boston takes season opener on the road (opens New York Post)

    Published

    New York Post's feed description

    The Celtics and Pistons both got offseason makeovers.

  4. The Boston Globe

    Celtics at Pistons preview: Boston begins a new chapter in a matinee matchup (opens The Boston Globe)

    Published

    The Boston Globe's feed description

    Tip off for the season opener at Little Caesars Arena is 3 p.m.

  5. Boston

    Here’s an explanation for why the Celtics’ season opener begins at 3 p.m. (opens Boston)

    Published

    Boston's feed description

    "Maybe down the line, this becomes a tradition for NBA fans."

  6. Fox News

    Why the Pistons on the moneyline could be the play in today's NBA season opener vs. the Celtics (opens Fox News)

    Published

    Fox News's feed description

    The Boston Celtics open the NBA season against the Detroit Pistons, but questions about Jayson Tatum's supporting cast could make this a tough year.

  7. The Boston Globe

    Celtics squander 22-point lead in second half, lose season opener to Pistons in Detroit (opens The Boston Globe)

    Published

    The Boston Globe's feed description

    The Celtics are back in action Friday night at home against the defending champion Knicks.

  8. MLive

    Pistons open season with 22-point comeback victory over Celtics (opens MLive)

    Published

    MLive's feed description

    After going down by 22 in the third quarter, the Pistons made a major comeback late to win the first game of the NBA season.

  9. KAAL Rochester

    NBA season tips off with Pistons rallying to beat Celtics 121-113, spoiling Paul George’s debut (opens KAAL Rochester)

    Published

    KAAL Rochester's feed description

    Javonte Green scored 19 points after not playing in the first half and Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists, helping the Detroit Pistons come back and beat the Boston Celtics 121-113.

  10. The Guardian

    Robinson sparks 23-0 run as Pistons stun Celtics in NBA season opener (opens The Guardian)

    Published

    The Guardian's feed description

    Detroit erase 22-point deficit to beat Boston 121-113 Paul George scores 38 points on Celtics debut in defeat Robinson scores 15 of his 21 points in fourth quarter Duncan Robinson scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the Detroit Pistons reeled off 23 unanswered points to beat the visi…

  11. Boston

    Celtics fall apart in season opener, lose to Pistons despite big Paul George debut: 8 takeaways (opens Boston)

    Published

    Boston's feed description

    A monstrous 20-0 run in the fourth quarter gave Detroit a 10-point lead that they would not relinquish.

  12. Newsweek

    Paul George Makes All-Time Franchise History in Celtics Debut (opens Newsweek)

    Published

    Newsweek's feed description

    Paul George burst onto the scene in his debut with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, scoring 31 points through just three quarters.

  13. WPRI Providence

    Paul George scores 38 points in a losing debut with the Celtics (opens WPRI Providence)

    Published

    WPRI Providence's feed description

    He scored 38 points — the most by a Boston Celtic in his debut, and the fifth-most by a player in his first game with an NBA franchise — in a 121-113 collapsing defeat Tuesday.

  14. Newsweek

    Celtics Fall in Season Opener Despite Historic Paul George Debut (opens Newsweek)

    Published

    Newsweek's feed description

    George's dominant performance appeared to put Boston on track for a convincing season-opening victory.

  15. The Daily Caller

    Pistons Make NBA History Against Celtics With Largest Opening Day Comeback Ever (opens The Daily Caller)

    Published

    The Daily Caller's feed description

    DEEETROOOIT BASKETBAAALLL

  16. West Hawaii Today

    Despite Paul George’s dazzling debut, Celtics collapse in season-opening loss to Pistons (opens West Hawaii Today)

    Published

    West Hawaii Today's feed description

    DETROIT — In his introductory news conference last month, Paul George said he didn’t blame any fan who hated the trade that brought him to Boston.

  17. Boston

    Joe Mazzulla on Jayson Tatum, Paul George after Celtics’ season-opening defeat (opens Boston)

    Published

    Boston's feed description

    "I don't care if he's 0-for-10. If you're open, shoot it."

  18. The Boston Globe

    Paul George’s dazzling debut cause for optimism after Celtics’ season-opening setback in Detroit (opens The Boston Globe)

    Published

    The Boston Globe's feed description

    George had a record-setting debut with 38 points in the Celtics' 121-113 loss to the Pistons Tuesday.

  19. Fox News

    Boston Celtics' Paul George hit with flopping fine after 38-point debut ends in collapse (opens Fox News)

    Published

    Fox News's feed description

    Paul George's 38-point Boston Celtics debut was marred by a $2,000 NBA flopping fine after a dramatic fourth-quarter dive against the Detroit Pistons.

  20. Fox News

    Paul George reflects on health after injury-riddled 76ers stint, strong Celtics debut (opens Fox News)

    Published

    Fox News's feed description

    Paul George scored a record 38 points in his Celtics debut against the Detroit Pistons, reflecting on the injuries that plagued his 76ers tenure.

Identical headlines usually mean shared wire copy. They are counted as separate articles but are not independent confirmation.

Paul George scores 38 points in a losing debut with the Celtics | Since Then