Pistons Rally From 22-Point Deficit to Beat Celtics in NBA Opener

The Detroit Pistons opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a firm statement: they are not done yet. Trailing by 22 points in the third quarter, the Pistons came back to beat the Boston Celtics at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday (20/10/2026) WIB, thanks to a 23-0 run that changed the course of the match.

Boston looked set to dominate after Paul George, who joined this summer, scored 38 points in his debut—the most points by a player in his first game for the Celtics. George had already racked up 31 points by the middle of the third quarter, giving Boston a 72-50 lead. But that lead proved fragile.

Detroit struggled to shoot from outside in the first half, making just 4 of 18 three-point attempts. The situation changed drastically after the break. Javonte Green and Duncan Robinson drove the comeback, combining for 40 points and shooting 10 of 17 from three in the second half. Both hit crucial shots that gradually eroded Boston's lead.

Entering the fourth quarter, Boston still led by six points. After briefly stretching the gap to 13, the Celtics then collapsed completely. Detroit responded with 23 unanswered points, took the lead and controlled the game. Cade Cunningham took charge late, sealing the win for the home side.

"We just kept fighting. Nobody gave up. We believe in each other," Cade Cunningham said after the game, as quoted from a post-match interview.

This win feels like more than just one victory in the first of 82 games. Last season, the Pistons finished as the top seed in the Eastern Conference but fell short in the playoffs. On top of that, tension throughout the summer over Jalen Duren's restricted free agent status had created uncertainty. Rallying from a big deficit at home showed the same character and composure as last season.

For the Celtics, the loss is a psychological blow. Despite Paul George's outstanding performance, Boston lost momentum in the fourth quarter and failed to maintain its offensive execution. Their defense collapsed as Detroit raised the tempo and shooting accuracy from outside.

On the other side, the Pistons proved they are still a dangerous team. The ability of Green and Robinson to create space and hit big shots gives Detroit's offense a new dimension. If consistent, this combination could be a lethal weapon all season.

The question ahead: is this win a turning point for the Pistons to compete again at the top of the Eastern Conference, or just opening-night euphoria? Meanwhile, the Celtics must regroup quickly before a tough upcoming schedule. The NBA season has only just begun, but the message from Detroit has already been sent.