Pistons vs Celtics final score: Detroit overcomes 22-point deficit, beats Boston in opener

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 20: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons and Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game on October 20, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograp

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What is the story about?

The NBA season is officially in full swing, and it took no time to produce an incredibly entertaining basketball game.

Things looked rough in the first half as Detroit struggled to knock down shots. They could only muster an 18-point second quarter as Boston finished the first half on a 23-6 run to take a 58-45 halftime lead. Paul George was scorching hot to start the second half and helped push the Boston lead up to 22. And yet, the Pistons kept slowly chipping away, and thanks to Detroit’s sparkplug

Javonte Green, they were able to reclaim the lead halfway through the final frame. The Pistons beat the Celtics 121-113 in the NBA opener.

Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each led the way with 22 points. Duren added nine rebounds and two stocks while Cade had four rebounds, eight assists, and two stocks. These two instantly got back to what they do best:

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Duncan Robinson started slow, but heated up quickly in the second half. He had 21 points while shooting 5-for-9 from deep, and one of his five threes resulted in the biggest crowd pop of the night:

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Javonte Green certainly deserves a shoutout as he didn’t play in the first half, but still finished with 19 points while shooting 5-for-8 from deep. He played a huge part in providing a spark to the Detroit offense as they were struggling, and his impact was instantly felt. I will note: Ron Holland only played three minutes in the first half and didn’t play in the second. All of the backup PF minutes went to Javonte in the second half. If the ball made it to him, he was letting it fly:

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Ausar Thompson finished with a double-double: 11 points and 11 rebounds, while also adding five assists. Seeing him take on more of an on-ball role is something I’m really excited about this season, because when he’s making plays like this, he’s one of the most entertaining players in the NBA:

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I am so glad that Detroit Basketball is back, and they’re now 1-0 on the season. The Pistons will travel to Miami to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s new team on Friday night.

First place in the NBA, baby!

Go Stones.