The Detriot Pistons went on an epic 23-0 run in the fourth quarter as they overcame a 22-point deficit – the largest deficit against the Boston Celtics in 30 seasons – to seal a stunning 121-113 victory.
Cavonte Green scored 19 points after sitting out the first half, and Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists to lead the Pistons to a win on Tuesday in a beautiful end to the NBA season.
Paul George scored 38 points, the most on a Celtic debut. The nine-time All-Star showed he still has it in his 17th season against Boston since acquiring him from Philadelphia in exchange for 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
Six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum missed 17 of 23 shots and finished with 13 points and 11 assists.
His defensive lack of urgency allowed Green time to hit his fifth 3-pointer, which gave the Pistons a 13-point lead with 3:33 left.
Boston took its biggest lead at 72-50 early in the third quarter after George hit three 3-pointers in less than a minute.
Detroit cut the deficit to six points after three quarters and went ahead in the fourth.
Green made a 3, Duren added a three-point play and Duncan Robinson connected on a 3 to give the Pistons a 107-99 lead with 5:10 left.
Jalen Duren had 22 points and nine rebounds, Robinson had 21 points — 5 of 9 3-pointers — and Ausar Thompson added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Pistons.
Boston’s Derrick White and Payton Pritchard scored 17 points each.
NBA opening night on Sky Sports
Tuesday, October 20 – Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks – 23:00, Sky Sports Main Event (12:00 a.m.)
Wednesday, October 21 – Oklahoma City Thunder @ San Antonio Spurs – 2.30, Sky Sports Main Event
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