Paul George dominates Celtics in playoffs, fuels Boston’s summer league buzz

Paul George torched the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2026 playoffs, and now the Celtics are banking on that performance to ease concerns about his age.

What happened in the playoffs?

During Boston’s seven-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, George averaged 17.4 points per game on 48.9% shooting. His three-point shooting was even sharper: 55% on 3.8 attempts per game. That production came while George matched up against Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum nightly, carrying a heavy defensive load for the Thunder. Derrick White, who was traded alongside Brown to Philadelphia, admitted the Celtics felt the impact. “But also getting PG, he killed us the whole series, it felt like,” White said.

Why Boston is excited about Paul George now

The Celtics see George as a perfect fit for their style. He bolsters their defensive versatility and deep shooting while addressing a key weakness: forcing turnovers. Over his career, George averages 2.5 steals per 100 possessions-nearly a full steal more than Brown’s mark last season. Among Celtics players with real minutes in 2025-26, only Jrue Holiday ranked higher. George’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots remains elite even at 36.

Still, availability looms large. George has missed significant time over the past seven seasons, and Brad Stevens, the Celtics’ president of basketball operations, hinted the team isn’t ready to tie up 70% of the cap on two aging stars. “Well into his 30s, George doesn’t fit into the Celtics’ long-term plans as well as optionality does,” Stevens said.

What comes next for Paul George in Boston?

The Celtics hope George’s playoff run translates into regular-season production. Brown, now a teammate, recently praised George’s durability on a live stream: “He’s got a lot left in the tank.” The summer league buzz in Las Vegas mirrored that optimism, with multiple Celtics voices citing his playoff impact as proof he can still swing games.

Off the court, the Celtics’ summer league conversations also turned to another dynamic: Brown and Joel Embiid as new teammates. Brown’s intensity and accountability could push Embiid to another level-or create friction. Either way, the pairing promises fireworks in Philadelphia’s locker room.

For now, Boston is rolling the dice on a nine-time All-Star who just showed he can still torch them when it matters most.