Paul George's Celtics debut: 30% shooting, but a game-high 5 steals
Paul George's first game at TD Garden wasn't the smooth offensive arrival Boston fans might have pictured. In about 25 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, the nine-time All-Star finished with 13 points on 30 percent shooting — the lowest field goal percentage of any Celtic who attempted a shot in a 144-106 preseason blowout.
George missed his first four attempts before finally cashing a triple late in the second quarter, then hung his head in exasperation as if to say "Finally." Afterward, he was candid about the adjustment period.
"I'm still trying to find my way offensively and figuring out the system," George admitted in the locker room.
A complex offense, and no one pointing fingers
Coach Joe Mazzulla, fresh off NBA Coach of the Year honors, chalked the slow offensive start up to timing rather than effort. "What we do is a very read-oriented thing. Timing is very important," he said, before taking the burden on himself and the veterans around George.
"That's on us," Mazzulla said. "That's on me, Derek [White], and [Jayson] Tatum to put him in positions and bring the offense to him." All three of George's turnovers came in the first half, yet he still notched 11 points by then, five from the free-throw line.
For his part, the 36-year-old pointed no fingers. "It's been a challenge, a great challenge, and Joe has been extremely helpful in that," George said.
Where George didn't struggle was on defense. He logged a game-high five steals via a game-high six deflections, helping Boston win the turnover battle 13-8 in the first half. "Great instincts, great technique, great positioning," Mazzulla said. "Something he takes pride in, and I do think it's very contagious."
The Celtics didn't acquire George in early July to be a pure scorer — they wanted a two-way wing to complement Tatum. "Defensively is where I've always taken pride in making plays," George said. His next progress check comes Wednesday, when Boston hosts the Charlotte Hornets.