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Recap: Top moments, highlights and stats from season tipoff tripleheader on NBC and Peacock

In a day of thrilling matchups, the Pistons, 76ers and Thunder came out victorious to open the new season.

Ben Lambert, for NBA.com

LeBron James and the 76ers won their opening game of the season against the Knicks on ring night at Madison Square Garden.

The NBA is back! The 81st season in League history got underway Tuesday with a tripleheader on NBC and Peacock. Follow along with the live blog for all the details from the night, starting here.

What we know after the American Express NBA Tip-Off:

  • The Pistons came back from 22 down to defeat the Celtics 121-113, led by a second-half surge from Duncan Robinson (21 pts) and Javonte Green (19 second-half points).
  • The Knicks raised their championship banner at Madison Square Garden, celebrating their first title in 53 years.
  • The 76ers opened the season with a 106-100 win over the Knicks, as Tyrese Maxey (28 pts), Jaylen Brown (19 pts), LeBron James (14 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk) and Joel Embiid (13 pts, 11 reb, 6 ast, 3 blk, 2 stl) showed chemistry in their debut together.
  • The Thunder made a statement in their opening contest, beating the Spurs 116-104 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32 pts).

12:25 a.m. ET / OCT 21

Thunder take WCF rematch, win 116-104

Oklahoma City controlled “Game 8” against San Antonio, holding off every Spurs run to win this 2025 Western Conference Finals rematch 116-104.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32 pts, 3 3PM) paced the offense from the midrange, supported by Jared McCain (20 pts, 6 3PM).

“One of 82. This doesn’t prove anything, this doesn’t mean anything except we won tonight,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.

Stephon Castle (24 pts, 7 reb) finishes the night as San Antonio’s lead scorer.

OKC earned a 48-29 lead in bench points and shot 14-for-31 (45.2%) from 3-point range, while San Antonio had a 31-12 edge in fast break points.

12:15 a.m. ET / OCT 21

McCain making everything

Thunder 109, Spurs 97 with 2:34 remaining.

Jared McCain (20 pts, 6 3PM) tied his career-high with his sixth 3-pointer a moment ago, pushing the OKC lead back to double digits.

His hot shooting has given the Thunder an offensive complement to SGA’s slashing forays.

12:10 a.m. ET / OCT 21

Spurs within range

Thunder 102, Spurs 94 with 5:04 remaining.

A 14-9 fourth quarter has San Antonio within shouting distance late, as Dylan Harper (18 pts) puts up seven straight to rally his team.

The 6-foot-5 second-year guard has elite body control — you can see it with every movement. A pleasure to watch on the attack.

11:53 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Thunder lead 93-80 after three

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (28 pts) has been the best player in this Western Conference Finals rematch, leading the Thunder to a double-digit lead as the fourth quarter looms.

SGA’s stepback midrange game has been on point — it’s nigh-unguardable when he’s fading away and got it flowing. Shades of Paul Pierce or Kobe Bryant. He can rise and fire at any time.

Can San Antonio mount one more charge? Tune in to NBC and Peacock to find out.

11:43 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Mara mayhem for OKC

Thunder 84, Spurs 70 with 4:11 to go in the third.

No. 12 pick Aday Mara (5 pts) flashed for the Thunder here, showing the impact of his 7-foot-3 frame.

11:31 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Wembanyama’s everywhere for a moment

Thunder 76, Spurs 67 with 5:49 to go in the third.

Victor Wembanyama (8 pts, 7 reb, 5 blk) just dove to the floor to tap a loose ball, then leapt to his feet to race into the lane to block a layup from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as the Spurs get back into the contest.

He was fired up afterwards — this matchup matters.

11:19 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Spurs cut into the lead

Thunder 68, Spurs 53 with 9:53 to go in the third.

A 9-0 run has San Antonio back in the mix to open the third quarter, as Stephon Castle (8 pts) sticks a 3-pointer off an assist from De’Aaron Fox.

10:57 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Thunder lead 65-44 at the half

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (16 pts, 4 ast) is pacing the Thunder attack in the Frost Bank Center, as OKC overwhelms San Antonio to take a 19-point lead at the break.

“They’re a really good team,” said Jaylen Williams (5 pts, 6 reb). “You’ve got to put a lot more effort into loose balls, plays like that.”

Victor Wembanyama (8 pts, 6 reb) found some offense towards the end of the half, becoming the top scorer for the Spurs, along with Julian Champagnie (8 pts, 2 3PM).

But it’s been basically all OKC in this rematch of the 2025 Western Conference Finals.

“The depth, the defense, and the shot-making from this Thunder team. Everyone contributing; making it a little personal in this first half,” said NBC’s Grant Hill. “Textbook half from OKC.”

10:47 p.m. ET / OCT 20

OKC controlling the flow

Thunder 51, Spurs 33 with 4:33 to go in the second.

San Antonio’s down to 12-for-43 (27.9%) shooting from the field, as Oklahoma City locks down.

No one’s loose for the Spurs — Julian Champagnie (8 pts) is their high scorer. On the other end, the Thunder have flashed their depth — all 11 OKC players who have played have scored.

10:34 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Thunder with a shooting display

Thunder 46, Spurs 30 with 8:08 to go in the second.

Oklahoma City’s now 7-for-8 (87.5%) from 3-point range on the contest, as Kenrich Williams (3 pts, 1 3PM) knocks one down, speeding them to a lead over San Antonio.

The Spurs are 3-for-14 (21.4%) from distance so far.

10:26 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Wembanyama with the eraser

Thunder 37, Spurs 28 with 9:21 to go in the second.

Victor Wembanyama (1 blk) just shut down a layup attempt by Ajay Mitchell in transition.

He came into the game with 627 career rejections — 13th most in NBA history for a player after three seasons. Mark Eaton has the most, with 1,082; Spurs legend David Robinson is second with 944.

Wembanyama and Jaylin Williams were just jawing at each other after Chet Holmgren fell to the floor after clashing with De’Aaron Fox. Feels like Game 8 indeed.

“This is a heated rivalry, a Playoff atmosphere,” said NBC’s Grant Hill.

10:16 p.m. ET / OCT 20

OKC leads 34-28 after the first

Jared McCain (8 pts, 2 3PM) and Alex Caruso (6 pts, 2 3PM) are perfect from deep so far, complementing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (9 pts, 3 ast) as our final game of the evening opens in San Antonio.

Both were big in Oklahoma City’s wins in the 2025 Western Conference Finals, and seem to have settled right back in tonight, which NBC’s Grant Hill suggested felt like “Game 8” between the two teams.

Eight Spurs have scored on the other end, led by Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie, who have five points apiece.

9:59 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Sixers ride new core to 106-100 win

Tyrese Maxey (28 pts) | Jaylen Brown (19 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast) | LeBron James (14 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl) | Joel Embiid (13 pts, 11 reb, 6 ast, 3 blk, 2 stl)

The Sixers’ star-studded core, led by Tyrese Maxey, took control late as the Sixers knocked off the defending champion Knicks on ring night at Madison Square Garden.

Jaylen Brown and LeBron James chipped in around the edges, as did Joel Embiid. Philly’s new core had palpable chemistry in their first game together.

“I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively,” said James. “Good win to start the season.”

With the win, LeBron raised his all-time record to 25-10 in MSG.

Jalen Brunson (21 pts on 6-for-19 FGA) was the top scorer for the Knicks, but couldn’t get loose down the stretch as Philly surged.

Karl-Anthony Towns (19 pts, 12 reb, 2 blk, 3 3PM) had a strong stretch in the fourth, but Mikal Bridges (4 pts) and OG Anunoby (10 pts, 5 reb) played below their standard.

“The Sixers head back down I-95 to South Philly 1-0,” said NBC’s Mike Tirico.

9:45 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Passion in the Garden

Sixers 104, Knicks 98 with 1:52 to go in the fourth.

Both teams are into it as the clock winds down in MSG.

Karl-Anthony Towns (19 pts, 11 reb, 3 3PM) and Joel Embiid (13 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl, 2 3PM) just traded 3-pointers, with KAT pulling up from 28 feet to drill one from the top of the arc.

Jalen Brunson (19 pts on 5-for-17 FGA) has been grinding to find his offense, dealing with the size of Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.

9:39 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Alvarado ups the energy

Sixers 96, Knicks 92 with 5:36 to go in the fourth.

Jose Alvarado (8 pts, 3 ast, 2 stl) has kept the energy pumping for the Knicks with Jalen Brunson on the bench, helping them hang around as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6 pts, 2 3PM) gets loose for Philly.

Alvarado’s an old-school point guard offensively — his head is up, his dribble is live, and he’s looking to do what the team needs on the possession.

9:34 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Tyrese tears down floor

Sixers 90, Knicks 86 with 7:52 to go in the fourth.

An example of the Sixers’ potency in transition. Few players are more dangerous with a step than Tyrese Maxey (26 pts).

9:16 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Sixers up 83-76 after three

Jaylen Brown (19 pts) knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Sixers the lead heading into the fourth quarter, capping an 11-0 run. They won the quarter by that margin, 29-18.

Philly’s tough to deal with in basically any phase of the game — lot of scoring talent on the floor.

The Knicks are scrapping, but Karl-Anthony Towns (9 pts, 7 reb) and OG Anunoby (7 pts on 2-for-10 FGA) have largely been outplayed. We’ll see if they have a response on ring night at Madison Square Garden.

9:08 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Knicks’ core responds

Knicks 76, Sixers 72 with 3:00 to go in the third.

Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are taking over the second half of the third quarter for the Knicks, fending off a charge by the Sixers.

They have the last 13 points for New York.

Anfernee Simons (10 pts) is keeping the Sixers’ offense afloat with LeBron James on the bench. He’s a meaningful piece — a microwave scorer wherever he goes.

Philly’s basically played seven players so far, with limited cameos from Adem Bona and Jabari Walker as well.

We’ll see if Nick Nurse can find another player to keep in the mix — Justin Edwards and Caleb Love both had their moments last season.

8:59 p.m. ET / OCT 20

The Sixers on the break

Knicks 63, Sixers 62 with 7:55 to go in the third quarter.

Eight straight fast break points for Philadelphia to open the second half, capped by back-to-back finishes at the rim from LeBron James (9 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl).

They’re going to be a force in transition once they start clicking, given Tyrese Maxey’s speed and the athleticism on the wing.

Classic LeBron team moments here.

8:34 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Knicks lead 58-54 at the half

Jalen Brunson (15 pts) and Andre Drummond (10 pts, 12 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk) have New York up at the break, out-dueling Tyrese Maxey (16 pts) and Joel Embiid (10 pts, 2 stl).

Drummond, a former Sixer, made his presence felt on the glass, going toe-to-toe with Embiid on multiple occasions.

He’s helped the Knicks to a 25-8 advantage in bench points.

“I’m tired of the preseason. I’m ready for the real thing,” said Drummond. “It’s a lot of fun out there tonight.”

8:24 p.m. ET / OCT 20

JB & LBJ on the attack

Knicks 54, Sixers 50 with 1:00 to go in the second.

Jaylen Brown (9 pts) and LeBron James (5 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast) just combined for six straight points, culminating with a dunk from JB to cut the Knicks lead to four.

There’s some chemistry between LeBron and his new star wing teammate — shades of Dwyane Wade, maybe?

8:01 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Clarkson to the rack

Knicks 40, Sixers 30 with 7:25 to go in the second.

Jordan Clarkson (4 pts) just scored back-to-back buckets for the Knicks, including snaking to the rim off an Andre Drummond screen to force a Philadelphia timeout.

Clarkson’s now in his 12th season, averaging 15.3 ppg for his career. He spent part of the 2018 season as a teammate of LeBron James in Cleveland.

7:57 p.m. ET / OCT 20

The impact of Alvarado

Knicks 32, Sixers 28 with 9:15 to go in the second.

Jose Alvarado just dropped off a dime to Andre Drummond (10 pts, 11 reb), stole the ball from Jaylen Brown at midcourt and pushed it for a 3-pointer in transition.

A signature energy play from the Brooklyn-born point guard.

7:49 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Knicks lead 25-23 after one

Andre Drummond (6 pts, 6 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk) put his stamp on the first quarter, crashing the glass against his former team to help the Knicks to a two-point lead at the quarter break.

New York has 16 points in the paint to eight for Philadelphia.

The game saw three lead changes and three ties in the first period.

7:43 p.m. ET / OCT 20

LeBron in the record books

Sixers 22, Knicks 19 with 1:56 to go in the first.

The King has his first points as a Philadelphia 76er, clearing out space against Landry Shamet for the layup. A strong catch and finish.

7:40 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Wemby in the spot

Victor Wembanyama is debonair in the grey-and-blue suit ahead of tonight’s contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder (9:30 ET, NBC/Peacock).

7:33 p.m. ET / OCT 20

The Maxey-LeBron two man game

Sixers 14, Knicks 14 with 4:36 to go in the first.

Tyrese Maxey (8 pts) drilled a midrange jumper while fading into the corner, shaking Jalen Brunson with a screen and give-and-go dish from LeBron James (3 ast).

That should be a strong element of the offense for the Sixers. LeBron’s ability to read the floor is second-to-none, and Maxey is a blur finding and exploiting space.

7:21 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Maxey starts on the attack

Sixers 8, Knicks 5 with 8:58 to go in the first.

Tyrese Maxey (6 pts) opens the new season with back-to-back 3-pointers, including a confident one from above-the-break in transition.

Jaylen Brown (2 pts) got in the ledger off a feed from LeBron James, following a 3-pointer on the wing from Jalen Brunson, who stepped to the arc and seized the opportunity after Maxey was knocked to the floor by a screen.

6:58 p.m. ET / OCT 20

The Captain speaks

Ring on his finger, Jalen Brunson credited the fans for sticking with them, including in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, when they rallied from 29-down to win on a tip-in by OG Anunoby.

“This is unbelievable. This is really a dream come true,” said Brunson. “The joy that this city had this summer, we’d love to replicate that again.”

The fans chanted “let’s go Knicks” as the banner honoring the 2025-26 NBA Champions was raised to the top of Madison Square Garden.

6:47 p.m. ET / OCT 20

A ring ceremony in New York City

The Knicks are raising an NBA championship banner to the rafters in Madison Square Garden for the first time in 53 years, as fans applaud the hustle, tenacity and skill of the 2025-26 team, our reigning champions.

There are legends in the building; the crowd is warm and appreciative; Mike Breen is on the mic.

Tune in to NBC and Peacock for this special occasion.

5:36 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Pistons win 121-113

Paul George (38 pts) | Duncan Robinson (21 pts, 15 in the fourth) | Javonte Green (19 second-half points)

Detroit controlled the glass and caught fire from 3-point range to storm back and beat the Celtics at Little Caesars Arena, completing the largest opening-day comeback in 30 years.

“We had a good talk at halftime, and we lit that fire a little bit better,” said Cade Cunningham (16 pts).

The Pistons grabbed 59 rebounds to 45 for the Celtics, helping them earn a 44-34 advantage in points in the paint.

They also shot 11-for-22 (50%) from distance in the second half, led by Robinson and Green, who each had five 3-pointers.

On the other end, the Celtics offense bogged down, with Jayson Tatum (13 pts on 6-for-23 FGA) unable to get to the rim to complement a big day from Paul George, although he added 11 assists in the game.

“This Pistons team has a ton of fight in them,” said NBC’s Brian Scalabrine.

The Celtics were the last team to come back from 20+ down on opening day. They did so in 1997, rallying to beat the eventual champion Chicago Bulls.

5:29 p.m. ET / OCT 20

One last surge from Boston

Pistons 114, Celtics 110 with 1:06 remaining.

Jayson Tatum (13 pts, 11 ast) found Paul George (38 pts) for a wing 3-pointer on the break, capping an 11-2 run to give the Celtics a breath of life.

But Detroit has the ball with less than a minute to go.

5:17 p.m. ET / OCT 20

‘On fire here in the fourth’

Pistons 107, Celtics 99 with 5:10 to go in the fourth.

Detroit’s seized their biggest lead of the game with an 18-0 run, led by Duncan Robinson (23 pts, 5 3PM), who is going crazy in the season opener.

Robinson just called for more noise from the crowd as the Celtics were forced into a timeout.

Boston looks a step slow, while Detroit’s playing with pace and energy.

5:13 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Can’t lose Duncan

Pistons 101, Celtics 99 with 6:14 to go in the game.

Sam Hauser just fouled Duncan Robinson (17 pts) on a 3-point attempt, bringing Detroit within one.

Daniss Jenkins pushed it into the paint, then tossed the rock out over traffic to Ausar Thompson, who flipped it to Robinson flying out of the corner. He rose up with Hauser trailing, drawing the foul with a bump to the body.

On the next possession, Robinson found Javonte Green (14 pts, +21) for another 3-pointer, giving the Pistons their first lead since it was 34-33.

5:09 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Robinson on the arc

Celtics 99, Pistons 95 with 7:34 to go in the game.

Duncan Robinson (14 pts, 4 3PM) just drilled a 3-pointer to force a timeout, sending the Detroit crowd into ecstatics as these teams go back-and-forth to open the season.

He has the last eight points for Detroit, helping them strike back after Boston opened another 10-point lead.

5:01 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Robinson on the roll

A triple-high screen just freed Mitchell Robinson for an alley-oop from Derrick White. Heck of a set from Joe Mazzulla.

Baylor Scheierman brushed past before this clip begins, giving the action a distinctive look.

“I’ve been in the league 25 years,” said NBC’s Brian Scalabrine. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that.”

4:55 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Celtics lead 88-82 after three

Baylor Scheierman knocked down a 3-pointer with 0.2 left on the clock, lifting Boston to a two-possession lead off another dime from Jayson Tatum (11 pts, 10 ast).

Detroit won the third quarter 37-30, cutting into a lead that reached 22 points.

“(We’re) not allowing them to get comfortable and going where they were going to go,” said Pistons assistant coach Jarrett Jack.

The Pistons’ hustle is up against the Celtics’ passing as we enter the final period in the first NBA game of the season. Get to NBC and Peacock to watch the battle!

4:51 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Pistons on the hunt

Celtics 81, Pistons 77 with 2:32 to go in the third.

Two more 3-pointers for Javonte Green (11 pts) have the Celtics on their heels, as the Pistons are on rolling downhill.

Detroit’s made five of their last seven 3-pointers to get back in it.

4:44 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Green means go

Celtics 78, Pistons 69 with 4:40 to go in the third.

Javonte Green (5 pts) has provided instant impact to get the Pistons back in it, bringing life to the fans at Little Caesars Arena.

He just knocked down a corner 3-pointer to bring Detroit, which is on a 19-6 run, back within single digits.

The Pistons are showing fire in responding to the Celtics’ charge. We’ve got a good one as the season begins!

4:39 p.m. ET / OCT 20

More history for PG

Celtics 77, Pistons 64 with 5:33 to go in the third.

“What kind of bucket do you want?” NBC’s Terry Gannon just intoned. “Paul George will give it to you right now.”

George just hit an acrobatic and-one layup, bouncing off the contest from Jalen Duren and tossing the ball off the glass with his right hand.

PG (31 pts) now has the most points for a Celtic in their debut.

Detroit’s battling back in front of their home crowd, though, led by Cade Cunningham (14 pts).

4:34 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Paul George raining from deep

Celtics 72, Pistons 52 with 7:59 to go in the third.

Three straight 3-pointers for Paul George (28 pts, 6-for-8 3PA, 4 stl), who is putting on a show on NBC.

The 37-year-old wing looks spry today.

JB Bickerstaff has countered with former Celtic Javonte Green, who will bring some athleticism and hustle on the wing.

4:29 p.m. ET / OCT 20

A quick timeout for Detroit

Celtics 63, Pistons 47 with 10:36 to go in the third.

JB Bickerstaff called a halt to the action after Derrick White (8 pts, 2-for-5 3PA) hit an uncontested 3-pointer from the the top of the arc, giving Boston a quick 5-0 run.

Their ball movement is giving Detroit problems at this point — there’s a lot of ground to cover.

“The Celtics have so many weapons out there,” said NBC’s Brian Scalabrine. “If they have their spacing right, they’re going to be tough to stop.”

“Detroit has no more room for awareness mistakes,” said NBC’s Robbie Hummel, relaying Bickerstaff’s comments to his team. “They’ve got to lock in on both ends.”

4:19 p.m. ET / OCT 20

The King steps in

A dapper LeBron James has arrived at Madison Square Garden to begin the campaign. The 76ers face the Knicks in the second game of our triple-header.

4:17 p.m. ET / OCT 20

History for PG

Paul George’s latest 3-pointer brought him into eighth place on the all-time charts with 2,551, passing Kyle Korver.

4:13 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Celtics lead 58-45 at the half

Kevin Huerter’s attempt at a buzzer-beating 3-pointer was waved off, as Jayson Tatum and Paul George (17 pts, 3 3PM, 3 reb, 2 stl) doubled Cade Cunningham, harassing him into a late cross-court pass to preserve the 13-point lead.

Boston broke away with its defense in the second quarter. Detroit’s down to 38.6% FG shooting, including a 4-for-18 (22%) mark from deep.

It’s been a competitive contest so far, with stars on both sides making plays. George’s scoring has been a major factor.

Jalen Duren (13 pts, 5 reb) is leading Detroit in scoring after signing a five-year extension with the Pistons this offseason.

“This NBA season is going to be ridiculous,” said NBC’s Brian Scalabrine.

“Especially in the Eastern Conference,” said NBC’s Robbie Hummel. “There is so much talent in the East.”

4:04 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Can’t lose Hauser

Celtics 58, Pistons 43 with 1:04 remaining in the half.

Sam Hauser (8 pts, 2 3PM) just sprung loose at the break in the arc for a 3-pointer over Duncan Robinson, who was a step late on the contest. The 6-foot-9 wing out of Marquette is a career 41.2% 3-point shooter.

Jayson Tatum (11 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast) is on triple-double watch for Boston.

“He just lets the game comes to him and gets what the game needs,” NBC’s Brian Scalabrine said of Tatum.

The energy is picking up in this one as the Celtics make a run. Cade Cunningham just tried to break the rhythm with an alley-oop to Jalen Duren, but Paul George responded with a smooth jumper off another assist from Tatum.

3:58 p.m. ET / OCT 20

PG-13 in his element

Paul George (9 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl) has been a steadying presence for the Celtics, ball-hawking on defense and meeting the flow on offense.

He just helped first a turnover, then ran the break with Jayson Tatum, drawing a foul at the rim.

The 37-year-old George, in his 17th NBA season, hasn’t been a second option for a while; the more comfortable he looks, the better for Boston.

“Paul George, defensively, has been in a stance this afternoon,” said NBC’s Robbie Hummel.

3:49 p.m. ET / OCT 20

The Pistons are deep

39-all with 7:21 to go in the second quarter.

Detroit’s gotten 3-pointers from Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Joe, Kevin Huerter and Daniss Jenkins, reflecting their new shooting depth.

Every long ball is meaningful for them, as they seek to open up the key for Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren to run pick-and-rolls.

3:40 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Ausar’s aerial elevation

Ausar Thompson (6 pts, 4 reb) just delivered an acrobatic finish, floating in midair through the lane before flipping it home with a right-handed reverse layup.

It’s good to have the NBA back.

3:35 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Celtics lead 28-27 after one

Jayson Tatum (7 pts on 3-for-9 FGA, 3 reb, 4 ast) capped the first quarter with a leaning jumper in the key, giving Boston a one-point lead after the first period of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Detroit’s been moving-and-blocking on the perimeter, using their athleticism and rim-running wings and bigs to open up gaps for shooters. They’re 11-for-22 (50%) from the field so far, led by Cade Cunningham (6 pts) and Jalen Duren (5 pts, 2 reb).

Boston’s countered with a precise, perimeter-oriented structure. Detroit disrupted them to the tune of six turnovers in the first quarter, but the Celtics hit 4-for-9 3PA (44%) to help take a slim lead.

“We’ve got a lot of unforced turnovers… We’ve got to take care of the ball, move the ball,” said Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell. “You don’t want to give up easy baskets. Transition leads to easy points.”

3:31 p.m. ET / OCT 20

The pivot in the paint

The Celtics’ revamped offense is putting the ball in Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta’s hands often on the short roll.

Both have an assist so far. Last season, Queta averaged 1.7 apg; Robinson 0.9.

Their decision-making will be key as the Celtics adjust to a more balanced attack without Jaylen Brown.

3:23 p.m. ET / OCT 20

‘Unpredictable’

Boston has the ball popping so far — they’ve taken seven 3-pointers to four for Detroit.

But the Pistons have countered with 16 points in the paint and six off turnovers.

21-18 Detroit with 3:00 to go in the first.

3:13 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Some strategy to start

Paul George (5 pts) scored his first basket for the Celtics with a 3-pointer, sprung by a hard-working offensive rebound from Jordan Walsh. Boston’s going to try to be a terror on the offensive glass and use second-chance opportunities to cue 3-pointers.

On the other side, Detroit is starting both Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II. Both shot 25% from 3-point range last season — will be interesting to see how JB Bickerstaff wants to use their athleticism to offset the lack of shooting.

3:08 p.m. ET / OCT 20

The Boston bigs

We are underway in Little Caesars Arena!

The Celtics are starting new acquisition Mitchell Robinson and bringing incumbent starting center Neemias Queta off the bench — keep an eye on how Joe Mazzulla balances his bigs.

2:45 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Pistons on the bounce

Can last season’s No. 1 seed turn in a repeat performance this campaign? It starts in just minutes.

2:40 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Jayson Tatum’s getting loose

“I personally think we’re going to see Jayson Tatum in the conversation for MVP all year,” said Reggie Miller on NBC. “I think he wants to put a statement on this season for the Celtics.”

2:05 p.m. ET / OCT 20

Get locked in with our pregame show

Go inside the arena as we prepare to tip off Celtics-Pistons in under an hour.

12:51 PM / OCT 20

Pistons are greeted by their fans

Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren are checking in for their season opener versus the Boston Celtics.

12:38 PM / OCT 20

Championship banner will be raised at MSG

The New York Knicks will place their 3rd championship banner in the rafters of Madison Square Garden tonight (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) ahead of the season opener against the new-look 76ers.

The Knicks will be raising a new banner

8:58 AM / OCT 20

LeBron is entering his historic 24th season

LeBron James and the new-look Sixers will start the season at MSG, tonight at 7 p.m ET (NBC/Peacock)

The King has the all-time wins record in his sights, as he starts the year 27 behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

8:27 AM / OCT 20

Everything you need to know about tip off tripleheader

Shaun Powell brings us the top storylines for today’s games.

NBA is back

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