The Detroit Pistons opened the NBA season with a statement. Down 72-50 midway through the third quarter, the Pistons ripped off a stunning 23-0 fourth-quarter run to beat the Boston Celtics 121-113 at Little Caesars Arena — the largest comeback on the opening day of an NBA season in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98).
Pistons’ 22-point comeback vs Celtics (Credits: NBA)
Boston’s biggest lead came after Paul George buried three 3-pointers in under a minute to cap a 72-50 advantage. But the Pistons flipped the game’s intensity completely, outscoring the Celtics 76-55 in the second half while shooting 52 percent. Trailing 99-89 with 8:19 left, Detroit surged ahead to lead 112-99 by the 3:33 mark — a run that tied the franchise’s longest scoring burst of the past decade.
Javonte Green, The Unlikely Hero
The spark came from the most unexpected place. Javonte Green, who didn’t play a single minute in the first half, scored 19 points in 17 minutes off the bench, tying a career high with five 3-pointers. His go-ahead triple ignited the run, and his fifth three-pointer — with a beaten Boston defense failing to close out — gave Detroit a 13-point cushion.
The Pistons’ stars delivered too. Cade Cunningham posted 22 points and 8 assists, Jalen Duren — fresh off signing a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed contract — added 22 points and 9 rebounds, and Duncan Robinson caught fire for 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter.
A Wasted 38 For Paul George
The loss spoiled a spectacular Boston debut for Paul George, whose 38 points were the most ever by a Celtic in his first game with the team. The nine-time All-Star, acquired from Philadelphia in the blockbuster deal for Jaylen Brown, showed he still has plenty left — but his effort went for nothing. Jayson Tatum endured a nightmare night, missing 17 of 23 shots for just 13 points, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard added 17 apiece.
Head coach JB Bickerstaff credited the turnaround to defense and effort: “When we outwork you, we’re going to be hard to beat.” The Pistons, last season’s No. 1 seed in the East, don’t play again until Friday, when they visit the Heat in Miami.
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Source: ESPN — read the full story there.