Detroit Pistons Erase 22-Point Deficit to Stun Celtics on NBA Opening Night

The Detroit Pistons staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, erasing a 22-point deficit with a 23-0 run to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113. The victory marks the largest come-from-behind win against Boston in the last 30 seasons.

Javonte Green scored 19 points after not playing in the first half, and Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists as the Pistons tipped off the NBA season in style on Tuesday.

Paul George led Boston with 38 points, the most by a Celtic in his debut. The nine-time All-Star, playing in his 17th season, made his first appearance for the Celtics since the team acquired him from Philadelphia in exchange for 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

Jayson Tatum, a six-time All-Star, had an off night, missing 17 of 23 shots and finishing with 13 points and 11 assists.

His lack of defensive hustle allowed Green to take his time for a fifth three-pointer, giving the Pistons a 13-point lead with 3:33 left.

Boston took its biggest lead early in the third quarter at 72-50 after George made three three-pointers in less than a minute.

Detroit cut the deficit to six points after three quarters and surged ahead in the fourth. Green made a go-ahead three, Duren added a three-point play, and Duncan Robinson connected on a three-pointer to put the Pistons ahead 107-99 with 5:10 remaining.

Jalen Duren had 22 points and nine rebounds, while Duncan Robinson scored 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting from three-point range. Ausar Thompson added 11 points and 11 rebounds. Boston’s Derrick White and Payton Pritchard scored 17 points apiece.

Detroit’s Historic Opening Night

22-point comeback

23-0 fourth-quarter run

The Pistons became the first team to complete a 20-plus-point comeback on the opening day of the NBA season since 1997.

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