Yardbarker
x
Celtics-Pistons takeaways: Ferocious second-half comeback leads to Detroit win; Boston wastes historic Paul George debut
Boston Celtics forward Paul George. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Celtics-Pistons takeaways: Ferocious second-half comeback leads to Detroit win; Boston wastes historic Paul George debut

By Andrew Wright  |  Last updated Oct 20, 2026 6:34 PM ET
Google Add us as a preferred source on Google

If the opening game of the 2026-27 NBA season between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons was any indication of how the entire year will go, it's going to be a season for the ages.

Boston and Detroit kicked thing off Tuesday afternoon, and it was an entertaining matchup that offered plenty of intriguing storylines and a closer look at where both teams stand early in the season.

Here are the biggest takeaways from Detroit's 121-113 win in the opening game of the NBA season.

Detroit has added some much-needed shooting help

The biggest problem for the Pistons last season was the inability to score when Cade Cunningham was unable to get going. That was a point of emphasis in the offseason, and it showed up on Tuesday.

Detroit got seven of its 15 made three-pointers from Javonte Green and Isaiah Joe. Green is in just his second season with the organization, while Joe was an offseason acquisition.

Green scored all 19 of his points in the second half and was a major contributor to the Pistons erasing a 22-point deficit and scoring 76 points in the final 24 minutes of game time.

Paul George is going to fit in well with Boston

The storyline for the Celtics on Tuesday was the team debut of NBA veteran Paul George. George was acquired in exchange for Jaylen Brown, and his first game with Boston was stellar.

George poured in 38 points, the most for any player in their team debut in franchise history. He knocked down seven three-pointers and proved that even in year 16, he is still capable of being a top scoring option when Jayson Tatum is unable to get going.

Both defenses will need to step up to have a chance to make a deep playoff run this season

Detroit prided itself on defense last season and that was a major reason it entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The level of defensive intensity that was always on display last season seemed to be a bit absent Tuesday, and it will certainly have to show back up.

For the Celtics, the loss of Brown, an elite defender, will be hard to replace. George is certainly an excellent alternative, but he is not the same level of defender that Brown is. Boston will need someone to take a leap and step up defensively throughout the season.

What's next for both teams?

Each team will out of action until Friday, and when they do return to the court, the matchups will be highly entertaining.

Boston will have its home opener against the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks, while Detroit will play its first road game of the season against the Miami Heat.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan. 

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA.