The Boston Celtics faced yet another setback as they succumbed to the Detroit Pistons, 119-113, marking their third consecutive loss to start the season, a phenomenon not seen since 2013. Despite a promising beginning with rookie Hugo Gonzalez earning a starting spot, the team could not maintain their lead at Little Caesars Arena.
Jaylen Brown, who had been dealing with a hamstring injury, turned in a stellar performance, scoring 40 points on 12-of-25 shooting while making 5-of-9 from three-point range and 12-of-15 from the free-throw line. Payton Pritchard also stood out, contributing 21 points, ten rebounds, and four assists to the effort. However, the Celtics struggled defensively, particularly with rebounding, allowing the Pistons to collect 18 offensive boards and generate 30 crucial second-chance points.
Although Boston jumped to a 14-2 lead in the first quarter, it quickly evaporated as Detroit rallied back, concluding the first half ahead 59-58. This trend of poor rebounding and inconsistent three-point shooting plagued the Celtics throughout, as they ranked near the bottom of the league in both categories entering the game. Their overall shooting from beyond the arc continued to falter, as key contributors like Pritchard, Derrick White, and newcomer Anfernee Simons struggled to find their rhythm.
The Celtics quickly fell into foul trouble during the third quarter, sending Detroit to the line 16 times in just one period. Despite moments of hope, including a burst from Josh Minott who helped cut a once substantial deficit, Boston’s rebounding woes became the decisive factor in their inability to complete the comeback.
In other updates from the game, Luka Garza returned after missing the previous match due to a concussion, while several players, including Xavier Tillman and Jordan Walsh, did not see any minutes on the court. The Celtics will look to regroup as they continue their three-game road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans, aiming to shake off the early season struggles and find a winning rhythm. The hope remains that the return of Jayson Tatum and improved cohesion will set the team on the right path moving forward.