In a thrilling NBA season opener on October 20, 2026, the Detroit Pistons overcame a 22-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113 at Little Caesars Arena. The game was marked by a remarkable 23-0 run in the fourth quarter, spearheaded by Duncan Robinson, who scored 15 of his 21 points during this stretch. (theguardian.com)
The Celtics appeared dominant early, establishing a 72-50 lead early in the third quarter, largely due to Paul George's impressive debut performance of 38 points, including seven three-pointers. (nba.com) However, the Pistons' resilience shone through in the latter half. Cade Cunningham contributed 22 points and eight assists, while Jalen Duren added 22 points and nine rebounds. Javonte Green provided a significant boost off the bench, scoring 19 points in just 18 minutes. (nbcsports.com)
This comeback victory underscores the Pistons' potential for the season, building on their previous 60-win campaign. The team's ability to rally from a substantial deficit against a formidable opponent like the Celtics highlights their depth and determination. For Boston, despite George's standout performance, the loss raises questions about their defensive cohesion and ability to maintain leads.