---
title: "Pistons Erase 22-Point Hole, Beat Celtics 121-113 in Detroit"
url: https://www.heredetroitmi.com/2026/10/21/pistons-erase-22-point-hole-beat-celtics-121-113-opener/
date: 2026-10-21T05:36:22-04:00
modified: 2026-10-21T05:36:22-04:00
author: "Marlee Howell-Keeler"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Detroit"
attribution: "HERE Detroit"
---

# Pistons Erase 22-Point Hole, Beat Celtics 121-113 in Detroit

> DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons opened their season Tuesday by digging out of a 22-point hole, topping Boston 121-113 on their home floor at Little Caesars Arena. Boston led 72-50 midway through the third quarter and was still up 99-89 with a little more than eight minutes to go. Detroit then scored 23 straight

*Source: [HERE Detroit](https://www.heredetroitmi.com/2026/10/21/pistons-erase-22-point-hole-beat-celtics-121-113-opener/) — October 21, 2026 by Marlee Howell-Keeler*

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons opened their season Tuesday by digging out of a 22-point hole, topping Boston 121-113 on their home floor at Little Caesars Arena.

Boston led 72-50 midway through the third quarter and was still up 99-89 with a little more than eight minutes to go. Detroit then scored 23 straight points in about five minutes to move in front 112-99 with 3:33 left, a swing the league called the biggest opening-day comeback since the 1997-98 season.

Jalen Duren had 22 points and nine rebounds, and Cade Cunningham matched him with 22 points to go with eight assists. Duncan Robinson scored 21, including 15 in the fourth quarter, and Javonte Green came off the bench in the second half to add 19. Green and Robinson each hit five 3-pointers.

Paul George scored 38 in his first game for Boston, a franchise high for a debut.

Detroit, which is chasing a second straight top seed in the East, next heads out on a three-stop road swing that tips off Friday night in Miami, with an 8 p.m. start, then visits Philadelphia on Oct. 25 and the Knicks on Oct. 27.