The Pistons rallied from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Celtics 121-113, led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren.
The Detroit Pistons opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 20. Detroit trailed by as many as 22 points but rallied in the second half to turn a difficult start into an eight-point win. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each scored 22 points, while Duncan Robinson added 21 and Javonte Green sparked the team off the bench. Boston’s Paul George led all scorers with 38 points, but the Celtics could not protect their advantage. Detroit moved to 1-0, while Boston opened at 0-1. The quarter-by-quarter line told the story: Detroit scored 27, 18, 37 and 39 points, while Boston recorded 28, 30, 30 and 25. Detroit’s 76-55 second-half edge was the difference, giving Detroit an encouraging start to its season.
First Half Struggles
Boston controlled the opening half with consistent offense and made Detroit work for quality looks. The Celtics edged ahead 28-27 after the first quarter, then outscored the Pistons 30-18 in the second to take a 58-45 halftime lead. Boston continued applying pressure after the break and stretched its advantage to 72-50. George powered the attack, hitting three three-pointers in a short stretch as the Celtics threatened to pull away. Detroit kept competing, raised its defensive intensity, and gradually found a better offensive rhythm. The Pistons chipped away at the deficit before the fourth quarter, setting up a tense finish.
Second Half Comeback
Detroit’s comeback gathered force as its perimeter shooting improved and its bench supplied timely points. Green made an immediate impact after entering the game, while Robinson stretched Boston’s defense with his outside shooting. Detroit cut the margin to six by the end of the third quarter, giving the home side a path back into the contest. The decisive surge came in the fourth, when the Pistons produced a 23-0 run. Robinson scored 11 consecutive points during the stretch, and Green’s three-pointer helped push Detroit in front. Duren converted a three-point play, before Robinson connected again from deep to make it 107-99 with roughly five minutes remaining. Green added another three-pointer as Detroit extended its lead and seized control.
Standout Performances
Cunningham and Duren supplied the foundation for the rally. Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists, helping direct Detroit’s offense as the game tightened. Duren also scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, providing a dependable interior presence. Robinson finished with 21 points and five three-pointers, while Green contributed 19 points in 18 minutes. Ausar Thompson added 11 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Detroit scored 76 second-half points, compared with Boston’s 55. The Pistons also won the rebounding battle 49-39 and scored 44 points in the paint, combining outside shooting with interior pressure instead of relying on one scorer.
Boston's Effort and Challenges
George’s 38-point performance was a bright spot for Boston despite the loss. He shot 12-for-21 from the field, made seven of 12 three-point attempts, and converted seven of eight free throws. He also recorded five rebounds, three assists, and five steals. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard each added 17 points, while Jayson Tatum recorded 13 points and 11 assists. Tatum struggled with his shooting, making six of 23 field-goal attempts. Boston scored 88 points through three quarters but managed only 25 in the fourth, when Detroit scored 39. The Celtics could not answer the Pistons’ run, despite shooting 40.5 percent from three-point range.
For Detroit, the season-opening win showcased resilience and depth. Cunningham and Duren provided steady production, while Robinson and Green changed the momentum with timely shooting. The comeback showed the value of sustained defensive pressure after a poor stretch. Boston can take encouragement from George’s scoring debut, but the Celtics need a more consistent team response when opponents make a run. Detroit is scheduled to visit the Miami Heat on October 23, while Boston is set to host the New York Knicks that day. One result cannot define either season, but Detroit has made an early statement: even when trailing by 22, the Pistons stayed composed and finished with a 121-113 victory.