Pistons stun Celtics 121-113 in NBA opener after record 23-0 run

DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons overturned a 22-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 121-113 in Tuesday’s NBA season opener at Little Caesars Arena, closing on a 23-0 fourth-quarter run — the largest opening-day comeback in the play-by-play era, according to NBA Communications (AP, Sportradar full-time: Pistons 121-113 Celtics).

Boston led 72-50 early in the third after Paul George buried three three-pointers in less than a minute. Detroit cut the deficit to six after three, then surged ahead in the fourth: Javonte Green hit the go-ahead three, Jalen Duren added a three-point play, and Duncan Robinson’s three put the Pistons up 107-99 with 5:10 to play (NBC Sports Boston live updates).

Green finished with 19 points despite not playing in the first half, while Cade Cunningham had 22 points and eight assists. Duren added 22 points and nine rebounds, Robinson scored 21 on 5-of-9 shooting from deep, and Ausar Thompson chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds (Detroit Free Press).

George led Boston with 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting — the most by a Celtic in his debut — in his first game for the club since arriving from Philadelphia in exchange for 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

Jayson Tatum struggled, missing 17 of 23 shots for 13 points in his first full season since tearing his Achilles in May 2025. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard scored 17 apiece for Boston.

The Pistons (1-0) visit Miami on Friday; the Celtics (0-1) host the New York Knicks.