Pistons rally with 23-0 run to beat Celtics 121-113 in opener

The Detroit Pistons beat the Boston Celtics 121-113 on 20 Oct 2026, erasing a 22-point hole with 23 straight points down the stretch. The regular-season opener was played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Guardian reported the final, while Bleacher Report listed the Detroit arena as the site.

Boston controlled the first half. The Celtics led 58-45 at the break and then pushed harder. Newcomer Paul George hit three three-pointers in a 52-second span in the third quarter to make it 72-50.

Then the floor tilted. Detroit answered with 23 unanswered points, a burst that turned a double-digit deficit into a double-digit lead. Duncan Robinson hit a three-pointer with 5min 13sec left to put the Pistons ahead 107-99. Javonte Green hit another three with 3min 33sec left to stretch it to 112-99 and cap the 23-0 run.

Robinson finished with 21 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each scored 22 for Detroit. Green added 19 points in just 18 minutes as a reserve, coming off the bench to provide instant scoring. Ausar Thompson filled the gaps with 11 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, with assists meaning passes that set up a basket.

Boston got a huge debut from George. He scored a game-high 38 points in his first game for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White each added 17 points. Jayson Tatum had 13 points on 6-for-23 shooting from the field, along with 11 assists.

Detroit arrived with a target on its back. The Pistons led the Eastern Conference with 60 wins last season before this opener.

What makes this stand out is the speed of the swing. A 22-point lead disappeared in one long Detroit push. For fans, this means the first night already gave a clear picture: Boston can score in bunches, and Detroit can answer them.