Paul George’s historic debut with the Boston Celtics wasn’t enough to stop the Detroit Pistons from opening the season with a comeback victory.
George set a franchise record for points in his debut with the Celtics before Javonte Green and the Pistons recovered from an early deficit to open the 2026-27 NBA season with a 121-113 home victory.
Here’s a look at some of the best players and highlights from Game 1 of the 2026-27 NBA season.
George’s first points as a Celtic came from behind the arc. The shot tied him for eighth most three-pointers in NBA history, according to Taylor Snow of NBA.com.
Mitchell Robinson, who suffered an injury scare after apparently rolling his ankle early in the game, also recorded the first points of his career with the Celtics in the second quarter.
Ausar Thompson impressed the Pistons defense, while Cade Cunningham got off to a strong start to keep the home team tied with the Celtics until midway through the second quarter.
George and Tatum helped the Celtics go on a 19-4 second-quarter run that gave the visitors a 13-point halftime lead.
He and Tatum combined for 28 points on 10-of-22 shooting in two quarters.
George surpassed the single-game scoring record in the third to help the Celtics extend their lead to 22 points.
The Celtics couldn’t keep that momentum going after George’s production slowed midway through the third.
The Pistons cut the deficit before going on a 23-0 run in the fourth to take a late double-digit advantage over the visitors.
George and Derrick White took the Celtics on a seven-point run to bring the visitors within four points in the final minute of regulation before the Pistons closed out the victory.
The Celtics will have another chance at their first win of the season as George makes his home debut against the defending champion New York Knicks. The Pistons will look to get off to a better start on the same day at the Miami Heat.
Gn sports
