skysports
The Detroit Pistons authored a remarkable comeback in their season opener, using a 23-0 fourth-quarter surge to overcome a 22-point hole and defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113 on Tuesday. The 22-point comeback marked the largest against Boston in the last 30 seasons, as the Pistons turned a lopsided contest into a thrilling victory.
Javonte Green, who did not play in the first half, sparked Detroit with 19 points, while Cade Cunningham contributed 22 points and eight assists. Paul George, making his Celtics debut after being acquired from Philadelphia for 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, led all scorers with 38 points—the most ever by a Celtic in his first game with the franchise.
Boston's Jayson Tatum struggled throughout, missing 17 of 23 shots and finishing with 13 points and 11 assists. Tatum's defensive lapse allowed Green to calmly sink his fifth 3-pointer, extending Detroit's lead to 13 with 3:33 remaining.
The Celtics built their largest lead at 72-50 early in the third quarter, fueled by George's three 3-pointers in under a minute. However, Detroit clawed back to within six by the end of the third and took control in the fourth.
Green hit a go-ahead 3, Jalen Duren converted a three-point play, and Duncan Robinson drilled a 3 to put the Pistons ahead 107-99 with 5:10 left. Duren finished with 22 points and nine rebounds, Robinson added 21 points (5-of-9 from beyond the arc), and Ausar Thompson posted 11 points and 11 rebounds for Detroit.
Boston received 17 points apiece from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. The Pistons' victory overshadowed a historic debut from George, who showed he remains a force in his 17th season.
Key Analysis
Detroit's comeback hinged on a defensive lockdown and timely shooting, particularly from Green, whose fresh legs proved decisive. The Celtics' collapse raises questions about their late-game execution and defensive intensity, especially with Tatum struggling. George's scoring outburst offers promise, but Boston must integrate its new star quickly to avoid further letdowns.
Originally reported by skysports.