DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons opened the 2026–27 NBA season Tuesday by letting Boston build a 22-point lead before finally informing the Celtics that the game counted.
At 72–50 early in the third quarter, Paul George had already turned his Boston debut into a three-point exhibition. Pistons officials reportedly considered interrupting him to explain that preseason had ended, but decided it would be funnier to wait.
"We didn't want to embarrass anybody," a fictional Detroit assistant said. "Boston looked so comfortable. They were smiling. We thought we'd let them finish their little demonstration."
Then Detroit remembered it had won 60 games last season.
Javonte Green, who hadn't played in the first half, appeared off the bench and scored 19 points. Duncan Robinson hit five threes, and Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren added 22 points apiece.
Suddenly, Boston's 22-point cushion looked less like a lead and more like a very expensive temporary rental.
The Pistons ripped off a 23–0 fourth-quarter run, flipping a 99–89 deficit into a 112–99 advantage. Detroit won 121–113.
George finished with 38 points, a Celtics debut record. Jayson Tatum shot 6-for-23, apparently under the impression that the afternoon game also required shooting with the lights off.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla reportedly asked when Detroit had switched from exhibition basketball to the regular season.
"About 20 minutes ago," the fictional assistant replied. "We sent an email."
Boston arrived at 3 p.m. ready to start the NBA season. Detroit showed up two quarters late and still finished first.
