Pistons rally past Celtics 121-113 in NBA opener, spoiling Paul George's 38-point debut

The NBA season is one game old and the Detroit Pistons already have a comeback to remember.

Detroit erased a 22-point deficit Tuesday afternoon and beat the Boston Celtics 121-113 in the league's opening game. Javonte Green did not play in the first half but finished with 19 points, while Cade Cunningham added 22 points and eight assists.

A big night for George

Paul George was the story for most of the game. The nine-time All-Star scored 38 points, the most ever by a Celtic in his debut. George, now in his 17th season, joined Boston in the offseason in a trade that sent 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia.

George made three 3-pointers in less than a minute early in the third quarter. That put the Celtics up 72-50.

Detroit storms back

The Pistons cut the lead to six by the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, Green hit a go-ahead 3, Jalen Duren converted a three-point play and Duncan Robinson drilled a 3 that put Detroit up 107-99 with 5:10 left. Green's fifth 3-pointer made it a 13-point lead with 3:33 to go.

Duren finished with 22 points and nine rebounds. Robinson scored 21 and made 5 of 9 from deep. Ausar Thompson had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

A rough day for Tatum

Jayson Tatum struggled in his return to opening night. He missed 17 of his 23 shots and finished with 13 points and 11 assists. Tatum is set to play his first full season since tearing his Achilles tendon in May 2025.

Derrick White and Payton Pritchard each scored 17 points for Boston.

Both teams are back on the court Friday. The Celtics host the New York Knicks, while the Pistons visit the Miami Heat.