Celtics Fall to Pistons After Blowing 22-Point Lead

The Boston Celtics lost their season opener to the Detroit Pistons 121-113 on October 20, surrendering a 22-point lead despite a 38-point debut from Paul George. Jayson Tatum scored 13 points and added 11 assists in a difficult shooting night for Boston. Tatum made 6 of 23 shots from the field and missed all seven of his three-point attempts. He scored 11 of his 13 points in the first half, while Detroit’s defense tightened after the break. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff credited Ausar Thompson with making Tatum’s night difficult, saying Thompson’s one-on-one defense was decisive. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said Tatum should continue taking open shots and making the right play, pointing to his 11 assists. Mazzulla attributed the Celtics’ late-game problems to empty offensive possessions that gave Detroit opportunities to run in transition. The Pistons erased Boston’s advantage in the second half, including a 23-0 run, and secured the win. Thompson contributed 11 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for Detroit, according to the game reports. George’s 38 points marked the highest-scoring debut by a player in Celtics history, surpassing the previous team debut mark of 30 points...