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The Boston Celtics kicked off the 2026-27 season in Detroit on Tuesday against the Pistons. Though the Celtics lost 121-113, Paul George stood out in his debut.
Though he dominated with 38 points, George’s was hit with a $2,000 fine for flopping towards the end of the 4th quarter. As the Celtics took the ball downcourt with under 3 minutes left, George ran into Duncan Robinson. Then George exaggerated the contact and fell to the floor. After the game, officials reviewed the play and determined that George violated the NBA’s strict anti-flopping rules.
Paul George has been fined $2,000 for flopping against the Pistons.
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In addition to 38 points, George added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. In the process, George made Celtics history by scoring the most points in their team debut. Additionally, George passed Kyle Korver on the all-time 3-point list.
Over the summer, the Celtics acquired George from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Jaylen Brown. Last year, George averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 39.2% from the 3-point line.
George has been in the NBA for 16 seasons after being drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2010. He has played against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Philadelphia 76ers. He is now part of a newly formed Celtics team, where he will be a co-captain with Jayson Tatum.
Altogether, George brings high-level veteran defense and elite perimeter shooting to a team that remains one of the top in the Eastern Conference. On Friday, October 23, the Celtics will have their home debut against the defending champion New York Knicks.
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