League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Celtics blow 22-point lead in season opener against Pistons

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 10:59 PM

Last updated Oct 20, 2026

Celtics blow 22-point lead in season opener against Pistons

Summary

The Boston Celtics lost to the Detroit Pistons 121-113 on October 20, 2026, after giving up a 22-point lead. Detroit surged in the fourth quarter with a 23-0 run, marking the largest comeback on an NBA season opener since the play-by-play era began in 1997-98. This loss is notable for Boston, who previously held a perfect record when leading by 20 points last season. The Celtics will need to address this collapse early in the new season to avoid further setbacks.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Celtics led by 22 points before the collapse
•Pistons scored 23 unanswered points in the fourth quarter
•Boston finished last season 38-0 when leading by 20-plus points
•This marked the Pistons' largest comeback against the Celtics in 30 years
•The game was played on October 20, 2026

Latest Updates

10:59 PMYahoo Sports — Celtics Find Themselves on Wrong Side of NBA History After Blowing Lead vs. Pistons

What they're saying

"
Boston squandered a 22-point lead in a stunning loss to Detroit. The comeback marked the largest on an NBA season's opening day in the play-by-play era.
— Yahoo Sports

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Boston Celtics Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons NBA Basketball