Pistons Rally From 22 Down to Beat Celtics 121-113

Detroit opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a comeback victory Tuesday, defeating Boston 121-113 at home after overcoming a 22-point second-half deficit. The Pistons outscored the Celtics 23-0 during a five-minute stretch, turning a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit into a 13-point lead and overshadowing Paul George's impressive Boston debut.

According to the NBA, Detroit's comeback was the largest on opening day since the 1997-98 season. Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham scored 22 points apiece, while Duncan Robinson added 21 and Javonte Green contributed 19.

Boston led 72-50 with 8:32 remaining in the third quarter. Although the Celtics still held a 99-89 advantage with 8:19 left in the fourth, Detroit surged ahead 112-99 with 3:33 remaining and maintained control to secure the win.

Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff credited his team's work ethic after the rally.

"When we outwork you, we're going to be hard to beat," said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

Green and Robinson provided crucial outside shooting, making five 3-pointers apiece. Green, who did not play in the first half, entered with 7:26 left in the third quarter while Detroit trailed 74-53. He scored 11 points in a two-minute stretch, hitting three 3-pointers and two free throws.

Bickerstaff said the team's confidence in its bench allowed Detroit to find the spark it needed. He praised Green's shooting, defense and energy, noting that the reserve responded positively despite sitting out the first half.

"We have a high-level trust in everybody on our roster," said Bickerstaff. "We know that any point in time, we've got a guy we can put in depending on what the mood calls for. Tonight, we needed a little bit of a boost and Woo (Green's nickname), time and time again, does it for us.

You throw in the shot-making, what he was doing defensively and the energy that he brought. He could've sat over there (angry) because he didn't play in the first half. But that's not the makeup of this group.

It's not his character."

Robinson took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points, including nine on 3-pointers, and converting six of eight free throws. Boston fouled him twice on 3-point attempts in the final period.

Cunningham and Duren, both All-Stars and All-NBA selections last season, also played key roles. Duren finished with nine rebounds, while Cunningham recorded eight assists. Detroit held a 24-16 advantage over Boston in second-chance points, with three of Duren's rebounds coming on the offensive glass.

George led all scorers with 38 points in his Celtics debut, setting a franchise record for the most points in a debut, surpassing Kristaps Porziņģis' 30-point performance in 2023. George shot 12-for-21 from the field and 7-for-12 from 3-point range, scoring 17 points in the first half and 14 in the third quarter.

His shooting helped Boston establish its 22-point lead, including three consecutive Celtics 3-pointers in the third quarter. NBC play-by-play announcer Terry Gannon praised George's performance during the second quarter.

"If you were wondering what Paul George in a Celtics uniform was going to look like, it's a pretty good look right now," said NBC play-by-play announcer Terry Gannon.

Jayson Tatum had a difficult shooting night for Boston, finishing with 13 points on 6-for-23 shooting and going 0-for-7 from 3-point range. He scored just two points on 1-for-10 shooting in the second half but led the game with 11 assists.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla backed Tatum's decision-making despite the poor shooting performance.

"I just want him to continue to make the right play," said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. "If he's open, shoot it. I don't care if he's 0-for-10. … I thought he had found a good balance of making his shots and making plays.

With the 11 assists, I think you're playing the game the right way. Just got to execute a little more."

Bickerstaff also credited Ausar Thompson's defense for limiting Tatum's effectiveness in one-on-one situations. Detroit's defensive pressure helped the Pistons complete the comeback despite George's game-high scoring total.

"You get him in one-on-one situations, you're going to be in for a long night no matter who you are," said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff.