Celtics' Paul George Quietly Delivers Something Boston Badly Needs
Celtics' Paul George Quietly Delivers Something Boston Badly Needs originally appeared on NESN.
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There wasn't much chance of Paul George receiving the biggest headlines following Tuesday night's Boston Celtics victory.
Not with Jayson Tatum scoring 40 points and burying a game-winning jumper as overtime expired.
But George delivered one of his most complete performances of the young season, helping Boston survive a determined Brooklyn Nets team in a 125-124 victory at TD Garden. The veteran forward finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. His contribution wasn't limited to putting the ball in the basket, and that might be the most encouraging aspect for Boston.
A Second Creator Changes The Equation
The Celtics already know what Tatum can provide when the offense runs through him. Tuesday offered another reminder as the superstar produced 40 points and eight assists without committing a turnover. What Boston needs around him is a collection of players capable of creating offense without making every possession depend on Tatum.
Paul George so far this season: 22.3 PPG 6.0 RPG 3.5 APG 2.3 SPG 47% FG 44% 3PT 87% FT 61% TS https://t.co/QhsJ9PZWEj
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 28, 2026
George's seven assists showed why his role can extend beyond being another perimeter scoring option.
When defenses concentrate on Tatum, the Celtics benefit from having a veteran who can recognize openings, move the basketball and make decisions without requiring the offense to reset.
George's 20 points also gave Boston a second reliable scoring contribution in a game that remained close throughout the night. Derrick White added 16 points and Jordan Walsh contributed 15, providing additional support as Boston secured its third straight win.
MORE: Celtics Get Encouraging Jayson Tatum Answer Beyond 40-Point Performance
The Celtics Are Still Learning Their New Formula
Boston's roster looks different from the championship-era combinations fans became accustomed to watching. George and Mitchell Robinson are among the important pieces the Celtics are incorporating around Tatum. That process becomes particularly interesting in close games.
Against Brooklyn, Boston needed contributions from multiple players before Tatum ultimately decided the outcome. The Nets took a five-point lead late in the fourth quarter, forced overtime on Mikel Brown Jr.'s last-second three-pointer and pushed Boston until the final possession.
George's versatility gives the Celtics another option when their offense encounters those difficult stretches. His health will remain important, too. George played 25 minutes during Monday's blowout victory over Chicago and was available again Tuesday despite the back-to-back schedule.
Boston does not need George to produce 40 points alongside Tatum every night. It needs him to make the offense more difficult to defend, contribute across several categories and provide another experienced decision-maker.
Tuesday's performance was a useful example of how that can work. Tatum supplied the unforgettable finish. George helped give the Celtics enough balance to reach it.
