Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons Live NBA Updates, Scores and Highlights

Detroit was struggling offensively for much of this one, but their process remained consistent and the shots eventually started falling.

And that trust paid off Tuesday. Javonte Green was massive off the bench.

Detroit deserves a boatload of credit for staring down would looked like a certain blowout and fighting all the way back to secure the win (really, long before the final buzzer even sounded).

Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green (who combined for 40 points and 10 threes) were huge, but Cade Cunningham (22 points and eight assists) and Jalen Duren (22 points and nine rebounds) certainly did their parts, too.

For the Celtics, though Paul George's 38 points were encouraging, a lack of defensive focus in the second half and Jayson Tatum's woeful shot selection (which led to a 6-of-23 night) proved impossible to overcome.

Celtics 113, Pistons 121 - Final

Just an incredible effort from Detroit in this one.

The Pistons were down 22, never gave up and eventually started getting some shots to fall.

Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green, in particular, were crucial, with 40 points and 10 threes between them.

Celtics 113, Pistons 121 - Final

The Pistons had a spectacular second half, particularly from Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green.

With those two cashing threes and the defense doing its job on the other end, Detroit engineered a 28-point swing in less than a half.

Celtics 113, Pistons 119 - 0:06.7 left in the fourth quarter

The Pistons deserve most of the credit for how dramatically this game turned. And Tatum's playmaking helped Boston early, but his shooting ultimately killed the Celtics.

Having your No. 1 option go 6-of-22 from the field is incredibly difficult to overcome.

Celtics 110, Pistons 116 - 0:41 left in the fourth quarter

Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green suddenly slinging fire from three is the biggest reason this game changed so dramatically, but Detroit's defensive intensity was huge too.

The Pistons were never shaken by Boston's runs, kept playing hard on every possession, and the game eventually turned their way.

Effort is often rewarded in basketball.

Celtics 103, Pistons 114 - 2:02 left in the fourth quarter

It's like Detroit was saving all its shooting luck for this closing stretch. The Pistons have made 10 of their last 16 three-point attempts.

Celtics 99, Pistons 107 - 4:56 left in the fourth quarter

Just a crazy momentum swing in this game.

Boston was up 22 and looked to be headed to a blowout early in the third quarter. After another Duncan Robinson triple, the Celtics are now down eight, bricking jumpers on most possessions and looking completely discombobulated.

Green and Robinson have combined for 34 points and 9 threes.

Celtics 99, Pistons 107 - 5:10 left in the fourth quarter

Boston looked like it might regain control early in the fourth, but Paul George went to the bench with his fourth foul and Duncan Robinson drilled back-to-back threes.

The building is rocking, and the Pistons have a chance to pull off this comeback.

Celtics 99, Pistons 95 - 7:34 left in the fourth quarter

It'll be interesting to see how long Jordan Walsh lasts as a ceremonial starter this season. Pritchard, Gonzalez and Scheierman all offer more to the starting lineup, particularly on the offensive end.

And Gonzalez and Scheierman at least bring plenty of effort on defense too.

Tonight, in just 15 minutes, Scheierman has eight points on 3-of-3 shooting, three rebounds and a steal.

Celtics 96, Pistons 89 - 8:36 left in the fourth quarter

He's not hitting as many shots as he did earlier in the game, but Paul George returned to the floor and Boston immediately went on an 11-2 run.

Celtics 96, Pistons 86 - 9:36 left in the fourth quarter

Boston stretched its lead to 22 points early in the third quarter. It looked like a blowout might be on the way.

But Green and Joe hit crucial threes, and the rest of the Pistons kept bringing the physicality they have all game, and things swung.

Celtics 90, Pistons 82 - 11:48 left in the fourth quarter

It's sort of hard to believe, given the long and rich history of Boston's NBA franchise, but Paul George's 31 points tonight are the most ever in a Celtics debut.

And we still have the entire fourth quarter for PG to add to his total.

Celtics 88, Pistons 82 - 12:00 left in the fourth quarter

The energy has completely flipped in Detroit, thanks in large part to reserve guard Javonte Green.

Boston's defense hasn't paid him enough attention, and he's found the open spots flanking his teammates' drives.

After his last three, Green is up to 11 points (with three threes and a couple free throws), and Detroit has cut a 22-point lead down to four.

Celtics 81, Pistons 77 - 2:21 left in the third quarter

Paul George has unquestionably been the biggest story of this game (he has 31 points in 21 minutes), but Detroit is doing a solid job of weathering the storm PG generated.

After trailing by 22 points earlier in this quarter, the Pistons have put together a little run to get the deficit back to single digits.

Celtics 78, Pistons 69 - 4:24 left in the third quarter

As Paul George's absurd debut continues (he has 31 in 20 minutes), the Pistons are finally starting to find some traction on the offensive end.

Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson hit back-to-back threes, and they've gotten some good looks inside to trim the lead to 13.

But ultimately, Detroit's chances of finishing a comeback will depend pretty heavily on slowing down PG.

Celtics 77, Pistons 64 - 5:33 left in the third quarter

He hit another heat-check three after this one and already has 12 points in this quarter.

In his very first game with the Celtics, George is showing what makes him different and potentially more dynamic than Jaylen Brown.

He can change the game as a three-point shooter, which scrambles defenses in a different way than mid-range scoring does.

Celtics 74, Pistons 53 - 7:11 left in the third quarter

The Pistons just picked up a three-point play from Jalen Duren to trim the lead to 13, but they'll need to figure out how to get some stops to truly get back in this game.

They can start by staying home on Paul George, who just hit another three to get to 22 points... Oh wait, make that 25. PG is on fire.

Celtics 63, Pistons 50 - 9:40 left in the third quarter

Fresh out of the break, Paul George hit another jumper (this time after a pump fake and dribble into the mid-range) and Derrick White followed that up with a three.

The Celtics seem to have fully adjusted to Detroit's physicality and are in an rhythm now.

If the Pistons don't make a run soon, this one could get away from them.

Celtics 63, Pistons 47 - 10:09 left in the third quarter

It's obviously too early for sweeping takeaways, but Jayson Tatum and Paul George look excellent against one of the best and most athletic defenses in the NBA.

In a vacuum, Jaylen Brown is probably a better player than George right now, but George's game is better suited to scale down for a complementary role.

One half into the season, it's easy to Boston's vision.

Celtics 58, Pistons 45 - Halftime

In just 14 minutes, Paul George torched the nets for 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting (including 3-of-5 from deep).

If he's allowed to simply focus on defending and being a high-end catch-and-shoot threat on the other end, even in his age-36 campaign, George could be extremely effective.

He was undoubtedly the player of the first half, but Tatum did a ton outside the scoring column to help him. Tatum's 5-of-13 from the field, but his six assists and five rebounds are a big part of his being plus-11.

For the Pistons, they looked like the more athletic and physical team for most of the first half. Jalen Duren had 13 points, mostly around the rim. Ausar Thompson had seven boards, a steal and plenty of highlights. And Cade Cunningham had four assists.

But Boston was generally content to let Detroit (especially Thompson) fire away from the outside, and the Pistons couldn't really take advantage in the halfcourt.

Celtics 58, Pistons 45 - Halftime

On the bright side, Boston doesn't really need Paul George to be Prime Paul George.

His defensive awareness, active hands, passing and catch-and-shoot ability should all help him be an effective complementary piece for the Celtics.

Celtics 47, Pistons 39 - 3:10 left in the second quarter

Ausar Thompson has been everywhere, breaking up Boston's actions on one end, crashing the glass on the other and snagging loose balls over. He has six points, five rebounds (two offensive), two assists and a steal already.

Celtics 39, Pistons 39 - 5:35 left in the second quarter

Payton Pritchard has only hit one shot tonight, but he has eight points and his lone field goal is a good reminder of how dangerous he is offensively.

Having someone with legitimate logo range can go a long way toward keeping the middle of the floor open for everyone else.

Celtics 39, Pistons 39 - 7:21 left in the second quarter

Not a good sign for Boston.

Durability has long been the issue for Mitchell Robinson. And while players like Luka Garza and Neemias Queta will make it easier to survive Robinson's absences, it'd be nice if those didn't start on opening night.

Celtics 35, Pistons 39 - 8:05 left in the second quarter

Ausar Thompson is one of the absolute best and most dynamic athletes in a league packed with athleticism.

And that sometimes means more than just vertical athleticism.

His ability to change his approach in the middle of this lineup, do a full 360 and still finish softly is incredible.

Celtics 33, Pistons 34 - 9:05 left in the second quarter

It's not really showing up on the scoreboard yet, but Detroit has been the more physical and aggressive team in this one.

The Pistons haven't really had a single player hit the floor without plenty of effort on both ends of it.

Celtics 33, Pistons 32 - 10:13 left in the second quarter

Jayson Tatum dropped another mid-range bucket to close the first quarter, but he's just 3-of-9 from the field for seven points.

He's making an impact elsewhere, though. Actions like the one above show the attention he can pull from defenders. And he already has a game-high four assists.

Celtics 28, Pistons 27 - 12:00 left in the second quarter

John Collins may not do quite as much off the dribble as Tobias Harris, but he's a more dynamic player around the rim, is still a catch-and-shoot threat and might actually improve the flow of the offense because he doesn't dominate the ball at all.

In his first nine minutes with the Pistons, Collins has four points and three boards.

Celtics 23, Pistons 24 - 1:47 left in the first quarter

It feels fitting that Paul George's first make in green came from three.

He's long been underrated as a high-volume, high-efficiency three-point shooter, and Boston is the likeliest team to have him lean into that.

George probably won't match his lofty career high of 3.8 threes per game, but his sixth season over 3.0 is very much in play.

Celtics 15, Pistons 17 - 4:45 left in the first quarter

Both teams are turning the ball over left and right. Boston already has four.

There may be some jitters in play, but these are also two of the better and more active defensive teams in the league (or at least they should be).

The offenses should settle in at some point, but we're also likely in for a physical battle.

Celtics 11, Pistons 9 - 7:50 left in the first quarter

This five, with Tobias Harris in place of John Collins, started 42 games last season for Detroit. Bringing 80 percent of that group back gives the Pistons more continuity than just about any other team in the NBA.

And while that hasn't necessarily proved crucial in recent years, it's not hard to imagine the benefits.

For the most part, the Pistons know how to play with and off each other. Offensive chemistry should come quicker than it does for most other teams. And that should help Detroit prove doubters wrong.

The Celtics have a bunch of options for their starting lineup. Payton Pritchard, Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman all have arguments to be there.

But this one still makes plenty of sense. If you add Walsh to those three, he's probably the least in need of usage in the group. That makes him a good complementary piece around the big-shot-takers like Tatum and George.

And having all three of Pritchard, Scheierman and Gonzalez coming off the bench gives Boston a chance to have one of the best second units in the league.

The Pistons are coming off a 60-win season and have all of their best and most important players (Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson) coming back.

They lost Tobias Harris, but John Collins is five years younger and, at worst, statistically similar.

So, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Detroit's over-under for this campaign is just 48.5.

Of course, part of the calculus there is improvement throughout the rest of the conference. But an 11-12 win decrease also feels like a healthy dose of skepticism about the Pistons themselves.

Today, they get their chance to start proving the doubters wrong, and they can do it with a big performance against the Celtics.

To date, Jayson Tatum has had Jaylen Brown as a teammate for every season of his career. They won a championship together. They made it to five conference finals.

By just about any measure, Tatum and Brown made up one of the best and most successful duos of this era.

Now, Tatum is moving on without him. Boston is built more in the "one star and a great supporting cast" mold. And it's not hard to see why the Celtics chose to go in this direction.

Beyond the financial and team-building difficulties that come with trying to fit multiple stars under the second apron, Boston won over 50 games with essentially this same model and Brown in Tatum's spot last season.

Tatum, even if he just gets back to maybe 95 percent of the player he was pre-injury, is better than Brown. And Paul George, who came over in the Brown trade, should be able to provide more than Tatum did in 16 games last season.

Despite the reaction to that move, the Celtics are absolutely still in the title picture.