The Detroit Pistons kicked off the 2026/27 NBA season with a comeback victory over the Boston Celtics, 121 to 113, in a matchup held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The game marked a meeting between the top two teams of the Eastern Conference from the previous season, with the Pistons, leaders of the past regular phase, overcoming the reigning runners-up after trailing by up to 22 points.
The Celtics dominated the first half of the game, going into halftime with a 58 to 45 lead, driven by the performance of Paul George, who debuted for the Boston team by recording 38 points. However, the scenario changed in the second half. The Detroit Pistons initiated a consistent comeback, consolidated by a run of 23 consecutive points in the fourth quarter, which flipped the score and secured the victory.
Duncan Robinson was fundamental in the recovery, scoring 21 points in total. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren contributed 22 points each, while Javonte Green, coming off the bench, added 19 points. Ausar Thompson also stood out by recording a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. On the Boston side, in addition to George's scoring, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard scored 17 points each, while Jayson Tatum finished with 13 points and 11 assists.