Pistons complete record opening-night comeback over Celtics
Detroit overcame a 22-point third-quarter deficit to beat Boston 121-113 in the 2026-27 NBA opener. The Pistons used a 23-0 fourth-quarter run and held Boston scoreless for five minutes late. Jalen Duren scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds after a contract dispute disrupted his training camp.
Detroit trailed by 22 after Paul George’s third-quarter three, then inserted Javonte Green for his first appearance. Green, who sat the opening half, made five of eight attempts from beyond the arc and helped spark the turnaround.
Duren had missed the first week of camp amid a contract standoff, then posted 22 points and nine rebounds on 8-of-13 shooting. Detroit won the glass 49-39, limiting Boston’s second chances even though Mitchell Robinson returned after an ankle issue.
The result may energize Detroit fans and give the Pistons’ new season a unifying storyline, while Duren’s strong showing could ease local concern after his contract dispute. For Boston supporters, the collapse may prompt scrutiny of late-game execution. More broadly, the record comeback could become an early-season talking point across sports media, drawing casual viewers to future games and reinforcing how dramatic finishes shape fan engagement and community mood.