Paul George made a notable debut with the Boston Celtics despite the team’s disappointing opening-day loss, marking the occasion with a personal best performance. The 36-year-old forward scored 38 points, setting a new franchise record for the most points scored by a player in their first game with the Celtics.

George appeared comfortable adapting to the Celtics’ system under coach Joe Mazzulla, although he acknowledged the challenges of learning new plays and regaining peak physical condition after a history of knee injuries. He expressed optimism about his current health, noting that he no longer experiences the pain that hampered his performance in recent years.

“I’m in a great place,” George said. “Before, I would wake up needing work on my body, but now I feel like I can go play right away. From a psychological standpoint, that does wonders, especially since the last two years were really hard going into games not feeling 100 percent.”

Despite entering his 17th NBA season, George is expected to perform near his prime level and fulfill a crucial role alongside star player Jayson Tatum. While he has lost some of his former athletic explosiveness due to injuries, the Celtics see him as their secondary offensive option.

George highlighted the evolving expectations for veteran players in the league, citing peers such as Stephen Curry, James Harden, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James who have extended their careers at a high level. “It’s good pressure,” he said. “It wasn’t like that 20 years ago, when a 36-year-old was probably at the bottom half of his career. We’ve done a great job taking care of our bodies to maintain high-level play.”

Injuries have notably impacted George’s career, particularly during his two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he suffered recurring knee setbacks. He also served a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, which unexpectedly provided time for recovery. This past summer, rather than focusing on rehabilitation, George dedicated himself to strengthening his body.

“It’s been a while since I felt this good,” he said. “Injuries played a huge role in my struggles, especially after sustaining a knee hyperextension in Philadelphia. But now I’m healthy and in a championship environment. I’m excited to practice and see what lies ahead for the team. It’s just been a fun place to be.”

Although the Celtics lost after surrendering a significant lead in the third quarter, George’s strong debut offers a promising sign for Boston as it seeks to compete at a high level this season.