Indiana Pacers forward Paul George. AP
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Paul George scored 20 of his 32 points in the first quarter and the Indiana Pacers overcome rookie Stanley Johnson’s 26 points in a 115-112 preseason victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.
George, who missed most of last season recovering from a broken leg, made six straight 3-pointers in the opening quarter.
PACERS: George Hill left the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle. . Rookie Myles Turner had eight points and six rebounds in 15 minutes.
PISTONS: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 22 points, going 6 for 7 on 3-pointers. . Johnson, a small forward, played point guard for much of Detroit’s 39-point third quarter.
TOUGH CROWD: Glenn Robinson III, who played his college ball at nearby Michigan, was booed by Michigan State fans throughout the game.
NBA DEBUT: Johnson, the eighth pick in this summer’s draft, hit a 3-pointer on his first shot, drawing cheers from the sparse crowd.
UP NEXT: The Pacers host Orlando on Thursday. Detroit hosts Brooklyn the same night.