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Pistons make dramatic comeback to beat Celtics in NBA season opener

The NBA kicked off its 2026-27 season with an unprecedented twist: a weekday afternoon opener, a first for the league. The Detroit Pistons delivered a stunning performance, overcoming a 22-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113.

The victory showcased Detroit’s resilience, with standout performances from Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, each scoring 22 points. Bench players like Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green also played pivotal roles, with Green’s clutch three-pointers and Robinson’s hot shooting off the bench sealing the comeback.

Boston, despite shooting 14-of-31 from three, struggled with 12 turnovers, while Detroit’s defensive intensity and dominance in the paint—including 24 second-chance points—proved decisive. The game’s dramatic finish included a late pull-up jumper by Ausar Thompson, which halted a Celtic rally in the final minutes.

This matchup highlighted the contrasting styles of two Eastern Conference contenders, with Boston relying on perimeter shooting and Detroit excelling in the paint and on defense.

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