Robinson and Green lead Detroit’s comeback
The Detroit Pistons recovered from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 121–113 at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday, October 20, opening the 2026–27 NBA regular season with a home victory. The game took place early Wednesday morning in the Philippines.
Duncan Robinson scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as Detroit overturned a game Boston had controlled deep into the second half. A run of 23 unanswered points changed a 99–89 deficit into a 112–99 Pistons lead.
Javonte Green supplied another decisive contribution after sitting out the first half. He finished with 19 points, including 11 in the third quarter, helping Detroit recover before Robinson’s late scoring surge.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each scored 22 points. Cunningham added eight assists, while Duren collected nine rebounds, giving the Pistons production alongside the shooting that drove their comeback.
Boston had led 58–45 at halftime and stretched its advantage to 22 in the third quarter. Detroit gradually reduced that margin, then took control during the fourth. The Celtics threatened again in the closing minutes, but could not recover the lead.
Paul George scored a game-high 38 points in his first regular-season appearance for Boston. He made seven of 12 three-point attempts and recorded five steals, although that performance was not enough to secure a winning debut.
Jayson Tatum finished with 13 points and 11 assists. He shot six of 23 from the field, missed all seven of his three-point attempts and scored only two points after halftime.
Detroit next visits Miami on Friday, October 23, to begin a three-game road trip. Boston hosts the New York Knicks that same day, seeking its first victory after an opening loss.