The Celtics will face the defending champion New York Knicks in their home opener Friday, Oct. 23, at TD Garden, looking for their first victory after a 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons to begin the season.
Boston’s opening game Tuesday featured a record-setting debut by Paul George but ended with a Detroit comeback. The Celtics held a 72-50 advantage early in the third quarter before the Pistons reversed the game’s direction, according to an Associated Press recap on NBA.com verified by the Boston Weekly newsroom.
New York also opened with a loss. The Knicks fell to Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden on the night they received their championship rings, according to NBA.com’s opening-night coverage. Friday’s matchup brings the reigning champions to Boston after neither team secured a win in its first outing.
George’s debut leads Boston
George scored 38 points against Detroit, setting the Celtics’ record for scoring in a player’s first appearance with the team. Boston acquired him from Philadelphia in the trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the 76ers.
That individual milestone was not enough to protect Boston’s lead. Detroit outscored the Celtics after the early third-quarter advantage and finished with an eight-point victory in the league’s season-opening matinee.
Jayson Tatum finished with 13 points and 11 assists for Boston. He made six of his 23 field-goal attempts, missing 17 shots as the Celtics lost a game they had led by 22 points.
For Detroit, Cade Cunningham contributed 22 points and eight assists. Javonte Green added 19 points, with his entire scoring total coming after halftime. His second-half production helped the Pistons overcome Boston’s advantage and spoil George’s first game as a Celtic.
Knicks arrive after ring-night defeat
New York’s opener offered Boston an early look at both its Friday opponent and Brown’s new team. Philadelphia took control late behind Tyrese Maxey, who scored 28 points, NBA.com reported.
Brown recorded 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his Philadelphia debut. LeBron James, also making his first appearance for the 76ers, finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Joel Embiid contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points but shot 6 for 19 from the field. The result left New York beginning its title defense with a defeat, while Philadelphia opened with a victory featuring contributions from its newly assembled core.
Brown’s first visit to Boston with Philadelphia is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2027, according to Boston.com’s schedule coverage, as verified by the newsroom.
What’s next: After Friday’s home opener against New York, Boston’s next games at TD Garden are Oct. 26 against the Chicago Bulls and Oct. 27 against the Brooklyn Nets, according to the same schedule coverage.
