Javonte Green Propels Pistons Past Celtics with Second-Half Surge

Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green delivered an explosive performance on opening night, scoring all 19 of his points after halftime to help his team secure a 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Green did not play a single minute in the first half of the matinee matchup, but logged nearly 18 minutes of action in the second half as Detroit rallied from a 22-point deficit.

Green shot 5-of-10 from the field and connected on 5-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc. His perimeter shooting provided a vital spark off the bench, helping the Pistons erase a commanding Boston lead and power through a dramatic 23-0 run during the fourth quarter.

Speaking with reporters after the game, Green credited the home crowd for energizing the team through their comeback. "Going out there in front of Detroit, they showed out today," Green said. "And like Cade said, we're going to need them all year. Because once the LCA gets rocking, it's hard for us to slow down."

The 33-year-old veteran's scoring burst offered much-needed floor spacing for the Pistons, who struggled offensively in the first half and fell behind by as many as 22 points early in the third quarter. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff may lean on Green more frequently moving forward following his impactful debut.

The victory also highlighted a difficult night for Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who struggled from the field by missing 17 of his 23 shot attempts and failing to convert any of his seven three-point tries. Meanwhile, Paul George delivered a stellar debut for Boston with a game-high 38 points, setting a franchise record for points in a debut before the Celtics ultimately collapsed defensively in the final frame.

Detroit's balanced offensive effort complemented Green's heroics, with Cade Cunningham adding 22 points and eight assists, Jalen Duren recording 22 points and nine rebounds, and Duncan Robinson contributing 21 points behind five made three-pointers.

The impressive comeback win demonstrates the offensive depth and versatility the Pistons have developed under Bickerstaff. By relying on multiple contributors rather than just Cunningham, Detroit proved it can generate crucial offense and mount significant comebacks against elite Eastern Conference opponents.