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Paul George, acquired by Boston in a trade involving 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, made an immediate impact by scoring 38 points. This total represents the highest scoring output by a player in their Celtics debut. However, the momentum shifted decisively in the second half as Detroit’s rotation players and core contributors found their rhythm to overcome a 22-point disadvantage.
Detroit’s Second-Half Surge
Boston appeared to be in control early in the third quarter, extending their lead to 72-50 following a flurry of three-pointers from George. The tide turned as the Pistons began to chip away at the lead, entering the final period trailing by only six points. Detroit’s offense clicked in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a go-ahead three-pointer from Javonte Green, who finished with 19 points despite not seeing any action in the first half.
Struggles for Boston
While George provided the offensive spark for the Celtics, teammate Jayson Tatum struggled to find his rhythm. The six-time All-Star finished with 13 points and 11 assists, but converted only six of his 23 field-goal attempts. Tatum, who is entering his first full season since suffering a right Achilles tendon injury in May 2025, faced defensive challenges late in the game, including a sequence where Green was left open to hit a critical three-pointer that extended Detroit's lead to 13 points with 3:33 remaining.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard each added 17 points for Boston in the losing effort. The Celtics will look to rebound when they host the New York Knicks on Friday, while the Pistons are scheduled to travel to Miami to face the Heat on the same night.
