DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons rallied from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113 in the NBA season opener on Tuesday, staging the largest comeback on an opening day since at least the 1997-98 season.

The Celtics, led early by Paul George in his Boston debut, appeared poised for a comfortable victory after building a substantial lead through the first two and a half quarters. George’s sharp shooting helped Boston secure a 99-89 advantage with just over eight minutes remaining in the game. However, the team struggled down the stretch, particularly with Jayson Tatum—the Celtics’ designated primary option following offseason roster changes—unable to find his rhythm. Tatum missed multiple shots that typically fall, and without the presence of Jaylen Brown, Boston lacked additional offensive support during the critical final period.

Detroit capitalized on Boston’s struggles by intensifying their defensive pressure, disrupting the Celtics’ offensive flow and forcing tough shots. The Pistons launched a decisive 23-0 run fueled by strong performances from Duncan Robinson and Cade Cunningham. Their combined scoring and aggressive play overwhelmed Boston, enabling Detroit to erase the deficit and seize control en route to the victory.

The Celtics’ inability to maintain their early momentum highlights challenges in adjusting to a reconfigured roster, while the Pistons’ resilience and energy demonstrated their potential as the season begins. The outcome serves as a notable reminder of the volatility inherent in basketball, where sizable leads can quickly vanish under concerted defensive efforts.