NBA Opening Night Thriller Pistons Beat Celtics 121-113 

Pistons Rally From 22 Points Down

The Detroit Pistons opened their NBA season with an impressive comeback, rallying from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113 on Tuesday. Javonte Green scored 19 points after not playing in the first half, while Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists to lead Detroit to a statement victory.

The NBA selected the afternoon matchup to help kick off the new season, and the game delivered plenty of excitement as Detroit overcame a dominant stretch from Boston and took control in the fourth quarter. Jalen Duren contributed 22 points and nine rebounds, Duncan Robinson added 21 points, and Ausar Thompson recorded a double double with 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Pistons.

Green Sparks Detroit’s Comeback

Detroit’s rally was fueled by Green, who made an immediate impact after being held out of the first half. His 19-point performance included five 3-pointers, with his timely shooting helping the Pistons erase Boston’s advantage and seize control late in the game.

Boston appeared firmly in command early in the third quarter, building its largest lead at 72-50 after Paul George knocked down three 3-pointers in less than a minute. However, Detroit gradually chipped away at the deficit, cutting Boston’s lead to six points by the end of the third quarter before making its decisive push in the fourth.

Green delivered the go ahead 3-pointer, Duren converted a three point play, and Robinson followed with a 3 of his own to give Detroit a 107-99 lead with 5:10 remaining. The sequence capped a crucial stretch for the Pistons, who maintained their momentum down the stretch to secure the eight point victory. Green’s fifth 3-pointer extended Detroit’s lead to 13 points with 3:33 remaining, as Boston struggled to contain the Pistons’ late offensive surge.

George Shines in Celtics Debut, Tatum Struggles

George provided a major offensive highlight in his first game with Boston, scoring 38 points, the most by a Celtic in his debut. The nine time All Star demonstrated that he remains an elite scorer in his 17th NBA season after Boston acquired him from Philadelphia in exchange for 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

Despite George’s outstanding performance, Boston could not maintain its second-half advantage. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard each scored 17 points for the Celtics, who were unable to slow Detroit’s fourth-quarter comeback.

Jayson Tatum endured a difficult shooting night, finishing with 13 points and 11 assists while making just six of his 23 field goal attempts. The six-time All-Star is preparing for his first full season since tearing his Achilles tendon in May 2025, and his performance reflected some of the challenges of returning to form.

Tatum’s struggles extended beyond his shooting, as a lack of defensive urgency on one possession allowed Green time to set up and knock down another 3-pointer during Detroit’s late surge.

Pistons Make an Early Statement

Detroit’s balanced scoring proved decisive, with four players reaching at least 19 points and Thompson contributing across the stat sheet. Cunningham directed the offense with eight assists, while Duren provided an interior presence and Robinson stretched Boston’s defense with five 3-pointers on nine attempts. The victory gave Detroit an encouraging start to the season, particularly after overcoming a deficit that reached 22 points against a Boston team led by George’s impressive debut.

For the Celtics, the loss offered an early reminder that strong individual performances must translate into sustained team execution. Boston’s inability to protect its lead overshadowed George’s 38-point effort and left the team looking to regroup before its next matchup.

Look Ahead for Celtics and Pistons

The Celtics will return home to host the New York Knicks on Friday as they look to bounce back from their opening night defeat. The Pistons will travel to face the Miami Heat on Friday, aiming to build on their comeback victory and carry their fourth quarter momentum into their next game.