Robinson sparks 23-0 run as Pistons stun Celtics in NBA season opener
Duncan Robinson scored 15 of his 21 factors within the fourth quarter because the Detroit Pistons reeled off 23 unanswered factors to beat the visiting Boston Celtics 121-113 within the NBA’s regular-season opener on Tuesday afternoon.
Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham scored 22 factors apiece for the Pistons, who led the Eastern Conference with 60 wins final season.
Javonte Green got here off the bench to attain 19 factors in 18 minutes, whereas Ausar Thompson added 11 factors, 11 rebounds and 5 assists.
Paul George scored a game-high 38 factors on his Celtics debut. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White scored 17 factors apiece, however Jayson Tatum was held to 13 factors on six-for-23 taking pictures, though he contributed 11 assists.
The Celtics led by 13 at halftime because of a second-quarter surge. Detroit held a 39-35 benefit early within the quarter earlier than Boston reeled off 15 unanswered factors.
George scored the Celtics’ last eight factors of the half as Boston took a 58-45 lead into the break.
George confirmed no indicators of cooling off within the third quarter, hitting three three-pointers in a 52-second span to offer Boston their greatest lead at 72-50.
Green entered the sport shortly afterward to sluggish George down. He not solely did that but in addition gave Detroit an offensive spark, scoring 11 factors within the quarter, together with three three-pointers, because the Pistons pulled inside three within the closing seconds.
George opened the fourth quarter with a layup to offer Boston a 90-82 lead. The Celtics quickly stretched their benefit to 12 factors, however Detroit started one other comeback, sparked by a three-point play from Thompson.
Robinson scored 11 straight factors to tug the Pistons inside one at 99-98. He then arrange a three-pointer for Green earlier than Duren transformed a three-point play. Robinson hit one other three-pointer with 5min 13sec remaining to place Detroit forward 107-99.
Green capped the 23-0 run with one other three-pointer, extending the Pistons’ result in 112-99 with 3min 33sec left.
Boston rallied to inside 4 factors, however Green made two free throws with 6.7 seconds remaining to seal Detroit’s opening-day victory.
