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The Boston Celtics opened their season with a stunning collapse, surrendering a 22-point third-quarter lead to the Detroit Pistons and ultimately falling short. The defensive intensity that had built the cushion vanished, allowing Detroit to storm back and steal the victory.
Below is a breakdown of individual player grades from the disappointing defeat.
Starters
Jayson Tatum (13 points on 6-of-23 shooting, 0-of-7 from three, 11 assists, 4 rebounds): C- Tatum generated quality looks but failed to convert, particularly inside the restricted area where he went 2-of-7. The missed layups and questionable three-point shot selection marred his offensive night, though his 11 assists were a significant positive. A typical shooting performance would have painted a far different picture, but Tatum's MVP aspirations demand higher standards. This was a subpar overall outing with some encouraging elements.
Mitchell Robinson (4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks): D Robinson shouldered the blame for his performance, telling the Globe's Gary Washburn, "I got my ass kicked on the glass. I can't have no starts like that." While it's only the first game and will fade as the season progresses, Robinson's role is critical to Boston's contention hopes. If such play continues, Neemias Queta could see starter's minutes, relegating Robinson to a limited backup role. At least Robinson recognizes the issue—a necessary first step toward correction.
Jordan Walsh (0 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block): C Walsh's day was unusual: he started, played the first five-and-a-half minutes, sat the rest of the half, then returned to start the third quarter. His three offensive rebounds provided some contribution, but he didn't quite deliver the point-of-attack defense he's known for. It will be intriguing to see how the Celtics manage him in the next game.
Derrick White (17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 3-of-7 from three, 8 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal): B White's shot was falling, which is vital for Boston's offense. He knocked down floaters and threes, though he struggled at times against Detroit's size and strength. Still, he was one of the few bright spots as a shooter, spacer, and screener.
Paul George (38 points on 12-of-21 shooting, 7-of-12 from three, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals): A George found the rhythm that had eluded him in the preseason. "It's been a rough camp for me," he told reporters. "Just trying to figure out new concepts, new terms, new plays, playing off other guys. Just finding rhythm within that. Credit to these guys, though. They did an amazing job keeping me in the loop, making me feel like part of the team." While he won't shoot over 50% from the field all season, it was encouraging to see him comfortable and efficient. His five steals placed him among just six players in NBA history to record such a points-and-steals combination in a debut.
Bench
Payton Pritchard (17 points on 4-of-9 shooting, 2-of-5 from three, 4 rebounds, 1 assist): B Pritchard's shots went in, but he had to work extremely hard for them, and he posted a -10 plus-minus in 27:30 of play. He also can't have just one assist in a game.
Sam Hauser (11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist): B- Hauser was solid, hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. His 18 minutes seemed appropriate, and the Celtics needed to leverage his spacing to open up the floor.
Baylor Scheierman (8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal): C Scheierman knocked down a couple of threes but was otherwise not much of a factor.
Neemias Queta (3 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks): C Queta impressed defensively in the second quarter but then got pushed around like the rest of the team. Jalen Duren shoved him aside for a crucial offensive rebound and foul that led to a Detroit three-pointer. Queta then missed a layup and committed a foul that sent the Pistons to the line. He must establish his space.
Hugo Gonzalez (0 points, 3 rebounds): D Gonzalez's presence might have been forgotten, but he posted a team-worst -15 in 9:43 of action. Yikes.
Luka Garza (2 points, 2 rebounds): F With other centers struggling, Joe Mazzulla turned to Garza hoping his shooting could spread the floor and offset defensive shortcomings. Instead, Garza missed both threes and was attacked defensively. It was a desperation move that backfired.
John Karalis is a 20-year veteran of Celtics coverage and was nominated for NSMA's Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. He has hosted the Locked On Celtics podcast since 2016 and has written two books about the Celtics.