Where Jayson Tatum, Paul George Landed in Sporting News' NBA Opening Night Winners And Losers

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Even in a loss, there was a lot to be encouraged about for the Celtics on opening night.

Boston fell to Detroit, 121-113, allowing the Pistons to come back in the second half and spoil an excellent debut for newcomer Paul George. But from an optimistic stance, the new-look Celtics had a strong first half, looked impressive defensively and shot well from deep.

For George and his co-star, Jayson Tatum, it was a fairly different start to the new season, though.

Here's where Tatum and George were placed among the NBA's winners and losers from opening night by The Sporting News.

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Jayson Tatum, Paul George Among NBA Opening Night Winners And Losers

Even with the Celtics' blown 22-point lead to the Pistons, their new co-star, George was listed as a winner of the opening slate of games by Sporting News' Steph Noh.

"George was the biggest bright spot," Noh wrote. "Boston was the perfect fit for George on paper, and he proved it in practice."

George finished with 38 points, which set a new Celtics record for points in a team debut. He added five steals, flashing the two-way talent he was known for in the prime of his career.

Tatum, meanwhile, was listed as a loser from the opening games.

"The expectation was that he could fill into Brown's role from last year," Noh wrote of Tatum. "He did playmake for others, recording 11 assists on the day. His shot selection was mostly terrible though, and he was an ugly 6-of-23 from the field."

With Tatum missing all seven of his 3-point attempts, it was a rough shooting night for him against Detroit. He'll be looking to bounce back as the season moves along — the best version of Tatum alongside a resurgent George could make the Celtics title contenders.

Meanwhile, a former Celtic, Jaylen Brown, was listed by Noh as a winner from opening night, as his new 76ers team beat the Knicks, 106-100. Brown, who scored 19 points, "had some good chemistry with LeBron," Noh wrote. 

There's a long way to go for both Brown and the 76ers, and Tatum, George and the Celtics in 2026-27. So far, it's looking like a potential win-win deal for Boston and Philadelphia.

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