-
Detroit Pistons staged a historic comeback from a 22-point deficit, producing a stunning 23-0 run in the fourth quarter to defeat Boston Celtics 121-113 in the NBA opener.
-
The victory marked Detroit’s largest come-from-behind win against Boston in the last 30 seasons, capping an extraordinary turnaround after trailing by 13 points at halftime.
-
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 22 points and eight assists, while Javonte Green came off the bench to contribute 19 points in just 18 minutes.
-
Debutant Paul George delivered a game-high 38 points for Boston, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points to inspire Oklahoma City Thunder to a 116-104 victory over San Antonio.
October 21, (THEWILL) – Detriot Pistons produced a stunning fightback from a 22-point with a 23-0 run in the fourth quarter to earn a 121-113 win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday in the NBA opener.
The victory was the largest come-from-behind win against the Boston Celtics in the last 30 seasons.
The Boston Celtics emerged the winner in the first quarter, winning 28-27 also following it up with a 30-18 victory in the second quarter.
Detroit Pistons turned the tide around with a stunning 37-30 win in the third quarter before wrapping it up with a 39-25 win in the fourth quarter.
Cade Cunningham was the star of the show with 22 points and eight assists.
Javonte Green came off the bench to score 19 points in 18 minutes, and Ausar Thompson supplied 11 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Debutant Paul George recorded a game-high 38 points, the most by a debutant for Celtics.
The Celtics led by 13 at halftime, thanks to a second-quarter run. Detroit held a 39-35 advantage early in the quarter before Boston erupted for 15 unanswered points.
George scored the Celtics’ last eight points of the half as Boston carried a 58-45 advantage into the second half.
George opened the fourth quarter with a layup to give Boston a 90-82 lead. The Celtics soon nudged the lead to 12 before Detroit began another comeback, started by a Thompson three-point play.
Robinson scored 11 straight points to pull the Pistons within one at 99-98. He then set up a 3-pointer for Green before Duren converted a three-point play. Robinson fired in a 3-pointer with 5:13 left to make it 107-99.
Green capped the 23-point run with another 3-pointer for a 112-99 lead with 3:33 to go.
Boston rallied to pull within four but Green hit two free throws with 6.7 seconds left to clinch Detroit’s win.
READ ALSO:
In the other NBA matches on Tuesday, Tyrese Maxey scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 106-100 victory over the New York Knicks.
LeBron James made his debut for Philadelphia with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists, as he began his NBA-record 24th season.
Oklahoma City Thunder defeated San Antonio with a scoreline of 116-104.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 32 points. Jared McCain added 20 points and matched his career high with six 3-pointers for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren had 14 points and Jalen Williams finished with 12.
Le Bron James was delighted to be at the top level at the age of 41.
He said: ” I feel a lot better. Still getting my rhythm,” James said. “Just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad but I like the way we played.
“I think we played exceptionally well especially defensively. We didn’t shoot the ball well but we have capable shooters. We know that. So, a good way to start the season.
“It’s about winning. Just try to make plays to win. I’m very familiar with every scenario that this game has offered.
“[I feel] Blessed to still be able to play it still at this level and uh blessed to be able to play in this building too.”
