Detroit defeats Boston 121-113 behind a decisive 23-0 fourth-quarter run, overcoming Paul George’s record-setting 38-point Celtics debut.
The Detroit Pistons opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a stunning 121-113 comeback victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 20, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. After trailing by 22 points in the third quarter, Detroit rallied behind Duncan Robinson, Javonte Green and its young stars to defeat an Eastern Conference rival.
The Pistons turned the game around with a 23-0 fourth-quarter run that erased Boston’s lead and put Detroit firmly in control. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren scored 22 points each, while Robinson added 21 and Green contributed 19 off the bench.
Boston suffered the loss despite a remarkable Celtics debut from Paul George, who scored 38 points and made seven three-pointers. His performance established a franchise record for points in a debut, but Detroit’s second-half surge proved too much for the visitors.
Boston Builds a 22-Point Lead Behind Paul George
The Celtics entered the game with a reshaped roster after acquiring George from the Philadelphia 76ers in an offseason trade involving Jaylen Brown. The veteran forward immediately demonstrated why Boston wanted him, providing much of the team’s offense during a dominant first half.
Boston led 28-27 after the opening quarter and then limited Detroit to 18 points in the second. The Celtics carried a 58-45 advantage into halftime after closing the period with an extended scoring run.
George continued his impressive performance early in the third quarter, making three three-pointers in less than a minute. His shooting pushed Boston’s lead to 72-50 with 8:32 remaining in the period.
At that stage, the Celtics appeared positioned for a comfortable opening-day victory. Detroit struggled to create consistent scoring opportunities, and Boston’s defense repeatedly disrupted the Pistons’ offensive possessions.
George finished with 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting, including 7-of-12 from beyond the arc. He also recorded five rebounds, three assists and five steals in just over 30 minutes.
The 36-year-old surpassed the previous Celtics franchise record for points scored in a debut. His performance also moved him past Kyle Korver into eighth place on the NBA’s all-time list for three-pointers made.
Javonte Green Sparks Detroit’s Comeback
Detroit’s recovery began when coach J.B. Bickerstaff turned to Green during the third quarter. The veteran forward had not played in the first half, but his entrance provided an immediate boost to the team’s shooting and defensive intensity.
Green connected on three three-pointers during Detroit’s third-quarter rally. The Pistons outscored Boston 37-30 in the period, reducing a 22-point deficit to six points heading into the fourth.
Robinson also began finding his shooting rhythm after a quiet start. His ability to make shots from long range created additional room for Cunningham and Duren to operate closer to the basket.
The Pistons moved the ball more effectively as the comeback developed. Instead of relying entirely on Cunningham to initiate every possession, Detroit received important contributions from several players who could attack, pass or create their own shots.
Daniss Jenkins helped organize the offense during stretches when Cunningham rested. Ausar Thompson also contributed with rebounding, passing and defensive pressure, giving the Pistons different ways to challenge Boston.
Detroit finished with 44 points in the paint compared with Boston’s 34. The Pistons also outrebounded the Celtics 49-39, providing another advantage as the game shifted in their favor.
Pistons Deliver a Decisive Fourth-Quarter Run
Boston appeared to regain control when it stretched its lead to 99-89 with 8:19 remaining. However, the Celtics then went through a prolonged scoring drought that completely changed the outcome.
Robinson sparked the rally by scoring nine consecutive points, including two three-pointers. His scoring reduced the deficit to one point and energized the crowd at Little Caesars Arena.
Green followed with a go-ahead three-pointer, and Duren added a three-point play as Detroit continued attacking. Robinson then connected from long range again, helping extend the Pistons’ advantage.
The 23-0 run transformed a 10-point deficit into a 13-point lead. Green eventually made his fifth three-pointer of the second half, putting Detroit ahead by 13 with 3:33 remaining.
Boston attempted a late comeback and narrowed the margin to four points. Thompson responded with a basket inside, and the Pistons held on to complete one of the most impressive opening-day comebacks in recent NBA history.
According to NBA.com, Detroit’s comeback was the largest on the opening day of an NBA season since the league began maintaining detailed play-by-play records in 1997-98.
Cunningham and Duren Lead a Balanced Detroit Attack
Cunningham finished with 22 points, eight assists and four rebounds, while Duren added 22 points and nine rebounds. Their production helped keep Detroit competitive even when Boston appeared to have taken control.
Robinson scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and made five of his nine three-point attempts overall. Green recorded 19 points in just 18 minutes, giving Detroit an unexpected advantage from its bench.
Thompson finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds, adding five assists. His performance demonstrated the value of Detroit’s younger players beyond their scoring contributions.
The Pistons’ success also reflected a willingness to distribute offensive responsibilities. Cunningham remained an important part of the attack, but other players took advantage of opportunities when Boston concentrated its defense on him.
Detroit scored 76 points in the second half after managing only 45 before halftime. The improvement illustrated how quickly the team could change its approach and generate offense through several different players.
Jayson Tatum Struggles as Celtics Lose Momentum
While George enjoyed an outstanding debut, Jayson Tatum struggled to find his shooting rhythm. The six-time All-Star finished with 13 points on 6-of-23 shooting and missed all seven of his three-point attempts.
Tatum contributed a game-high 11 assists, but his offensive difficulties limited Boston’s ability to respond during Detroit’s decisive run. The Celtics needed another reliable scoring option once the Pistons began containing George.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard each scored 17 points. Boston also received 11 points from Sam Hauser, but those contributions were not enough to overcome its fourth-quarter collapse.
The game marked the beginning of Tatum’s first full season since suffering a torn Achilles tendon in May 2025. His opening performance suggested that regaining consistent shooting form will remain important as Boston works to establish its new lineup.
Mitchell Robinson Suffers Ankle Injury Scare
Boston also experienced an injury concern involving center Mitchell Robinson, who rolled his left ankle while battling for a rebound during the second quarter.
Robinson remained in the game after the incident but appeared uncomfortable immediately afterward. He finished with four points and three rebounds in approximately 18 minutes.
The Celtics had added Robinson during the offseason to strengthen their interior defense and rebounding. His limited playing time came during a game in which Detroit won the rebounding battle by 10.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla will need to assess the team’s defensive rotations and rebounding performance before its next game. However, Robinson’s ankle incident alone does not explain the loss, particularly given Detroit’s decisive outside shooting during the second half.
Detroit Starts Season With Statement Victory
The Pistons entered the new season hoping to build on their success from the previous year, when they finished with the Eastern Conference’s best regular-season record. Their opening victory demonstrated the depth and resilience of a roster built around Cunningham, Duren and Thompson.
The Celtics, meanwhile, face early questions about their ability to maintain leads and execute under pressure. George’s scoring offered encouragement, but the team’s fourth-quarter defensive breakdown overshadowed his record-setting debut.
Detroit begins its season with a 1-0 record and will travel to face the Miami Heat on Friday, October 23. Boston will return home to host the New York Knicks that same day, seeking its first victory of the season.
IMAGE: Image Taken at Orange Power Studios, Thursday, July 2, 2020, Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK. Courtney Bay/OSU Athletics. Photo: OSU Athletics / Wikimedia, taken 2020-07-02, CC BY-SA 2.0