India, Oct. 21 -- Paul George made an immediate impact in his Boston Celtics debut against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, setting a new franchise record before the third quarter had even concluded.

The veteran forward scored 31 points in his first 20 minutes on the court, delivering a standout performance in the season opener. George continued to produce as the game progressed, reaching 38 points with about a minute remaining in the second half.

He finished the night shooting 12-of-21 from the field and 7-of-12 from beyond the arc. His 31-point outburst in his first 20 minutes also established a new Celtics franchise mark for a debut.

George, 36, appeared to find his rhythm playing alongside Jayson Tatum, hinting at the potential of t...