Pistons erase 22-point deficit, stun Celtics with 23-0 fourth quarter run in season opening win

In a thrilling season-opening win, the Detroit Pistons stunned the Boston Celtics with a 23-0 fourth-quarter surge to erase a 22-point deficit. The Pistons secured their first victory of the year with a 121-113 triumph at Little Caesars Arena. Boston dominated the first three quarters, building a 22-point lead early in the third before Detroit mounted its comeback.

Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each scored 22 points for Detroit, with Cunningham contributing eight assists and Duren grabbing nine rebounds. Duncan Robinson added 21 points and hit five three-pointers, while Ausar Thompson contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds. Javonte Green was the key playmaker off the bench, scoring 19 points and igniting Detroit's comeback.

Paul George scored a game-high 38 points for the Celtics, the most ever by a Boston player in his first game with the team. Jayson Tatum struggled from the field, shooting just 6-of-23 and missing all seven of his three-point attempts. Neither team showed much early separation, with the game tied at 13 midway through the first quarter.

The Celtics took control late in the first half, leading 58-45 at halftime after a 15-0 run. However, Detroit's fourth-quarter surge shifted the momentum, with the Pistons pulling within three points with 7:34 remaining. The Pistons capitalized on Green's three-pointer and a Duren three-point play, extending their lead to 23-0 in the final period.

Despite Boston's late push, Detroit held on for their season-opening win. The Pistons will next face Miami on Friday, while the Celtics host the New York Knicks.