Detroit completed a remarkable comeback to open the NBA regular season, rallying from a 22-point hole to defeat the visiting Boston Celtics 121-113 on Tuesday afternoon.
Late surge turns game
Duncan Robinson provided the decisive spark down the stretch, pouring in 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the Pistons reeled off a 23-0 run that turned a comfortable Celtics lead into a Detroit victory. The run flipped momentum and put the visiting team firmly in control in the final minutes.
Balanced scoring for Detroit
Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham each finished with 22 points for the Pistons, complementing Robinson’s late scoring burst and helping Detroit erase the deficit that had threatened to stall the comeback. The collective effort underpinned a comeback that unfolded over the game’s second half.
Celtics fall despite George debut
Paul George scored a team-high 38 points in what was billed as his debut in a Celtics uniform, but Boston could not hold off the Pistons’ rally. The Celtics began the game with a substantial advantage, yet were unable to contain Detroit’s finishing run.
Implications and outlook
The result hands the Pistons a statement win to begin the season and presents early questions for Boston despite George’s scoring output. Both clubs will look to build on lessons from the opener as the regular season progresses.