The Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics 121-113 in the 2026-27 NBA season opener. Paul George scored 38 points in his Celtics debut, setting a franchise record, but Detroit overcame a 13-point halftime deficit.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics 121-113 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in the opening game of the 2026-27 NBA season. The Pistons erased a 13-point deficit at halftime to secure the victory in a matinee matchup that the NBA selected to tip off the new campaign.
Paul George scored 38 points in his first game for the Celtics, marking the most points by a player in a Celtics debut. According to the NBA, George surpassed Kristaps Porzingis’ 30 points from 2023 to set the new record. The nine-time All-Star, in his 17th season, joined Boston after the team acquired him from Philadelphia in exchange for 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
George’s performance included shooting 12 of 21 from the field, along with five rebounds, three assists, and five steals in 31 minutes. He also moved into eighth place all-time in 3-pointers made. Boston’s biggest lead of the game occurred early in the third quarter at 72-50, after George made three 3-pointers in less than a minute.
Despite George’s scoring, the Pistons mounted a significant comeback in the second half. Javonte Green scored 19 points after not playing in the first half, including a go-ahead 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists, while Jalen Duren contributed 22 points and nine rebounds.
Detroit cut its deficit to six points after three quarters and surged ahead in the fourth. With 5:10 remaining, Duncan Robinson connected on a 3-pointer to put the Pistons ahead 107-99. Robinson scored 21 points, making 5 of 9 3-pointers. Ausar Thompson added 11 points and 11 rebounds for Detroit.
Boston’s Jayson Tatum struggled offensively, missing 17 of 23 shots for 13 points and 11 assists. Tatum, a six-time All-Star, is playing his first full season since tearing his Achilles tendon in May 2025. The Associated Press reported that his lack of hustle on defense allowed Green to take his time for a fifth 3-pointer, which gave the Pistons a 13-point lead with 3:33 left in the game.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard scored 17 points apiece for the Celtics.
The result highlights the immediate impact of the offseason trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and brought Paul George to Boston. While George’s individual performance set a franchise record, the Celtics’ loss underscores the challenges of integrating a new star into a team that also saw its primary scorer, Jayson Tatum, struggle in his return from injury. The Pistons’ victory demonstrates their depth and resilience, overcoming a significant halftime deficit against a high-profile opponent.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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