Boston Celtics fall to Detroit Pistons 121-113 with familiar late collapse (PHOTOS)

The Boston Celtics started their 2026-27 NBA regular season off on the wrong foot after falling to the Detroit Pistons 121-113 despite building a 22-point lead early, collapsing in familiar form in the game's final frame. Unlike their undefeated preseason slate of games, Boston lost the battle of the boards 49-39 despite shooting better from 3 (40 percent to 38), taking 2 more shot attempts, and making 3 more steals.

The Celtics were outscored in the paint 44-34, and in transition (11-14) as well, leading to an ending all too familiar to fans of the team that saw early efficiency crumble in the face of a stout comeback from the Pistons. With the loss, the Celtics fall to 0-1 to start their current campaign, and won't be able to have a shot at getting

back to .500 until they take on the reigning champion New York Knicks on Friday (Oct. 23) night.

Let's take a look at all of the best plays captured in images from the loss.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Boston Celtics fall to Detroit Pistons 121-113 with familiar late collapse (PHOTOS)