Pistons Stun Celtics in Season Opener After 22-Point Comeback

The NBA’s 2026-27 season kicked off with a stunning upset as the Detroit Pistons stunned the Boston Celtics 121-113 in a season-opening tripleheader game ^[3]. The Celtics, favored by 1.5 points ^[1], led by 13 at halftime after a strong second-quarter surge, but collapsed in the fourth quarter.

Detroit, who finished with 60 wins last season, mounted a 23-0 run to take the lead, sparked by a 15-point fourth-quarter outburst from Mitchell Robinson ^[2]. Robinson scored 21 points, with 15 coming in the final quarter, while Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham each tallied 22 points. Javonte Green added 19 off the bench in just 18 minutes, including three three-pointers in the third quarter that helped close the gap.

Paul George, making his Celtics debut, scored a game-high 38 points but was unable to overcome Boston’s shooting struggles. Jayson Tatum was held to 13 points on 6-of-23 shooting, despite dishing out 11 assists ^[2]. The Celtics shot just 26 percent from beyond the arc in the playoffs last season, a flaw that resurfaced in the opener ^[1].

The Pistons’ comeback began after Green entered the game and disrupted George’s rhythm, then ignited an offensive surge. Robinson scored 11 straight points to pull Detroit within one, set up key baskets, and hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 5:13 left ^[2]. Green capped the 23-0 run with a three-pointer and two free throws to seal the win with 6.7 seconds remaining.

The Celtics’ offensive inefficiency and coaching decisions during the playoffs—particularly Joe Mazzulla’s lineup choices—have been scrutinized, though the direct link between those choices and their 3-point struggles has not been confirmed ^[1]. The story was first reported by New York Post and The Guardian.