Detroit outlast Paul George's 38 with a 39-25 fourth quarter

How did Detroit beat Boston 121-113?

Detroit beat Boston 121-113 by winning the fourth quarter 39-25. The Celtics still led going into the final period, so the game was settled in that closing stretch.

The shooting came from Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green, who went 5/9 and 5/8 from three respectively. Inside, Jalen Duren converted 8/13 on two-pointers and kept getting to the free-throw line.

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How many points did Paul George score against the Pistons?

Paul George scored 38 points for Boston in 31 minutes, the top total of the night. He shot 7/12 from three, 5/9 inside the arc and 7/8 from the line.

He also collected 5 steals and posted a PIR of 33, the best on the floor, against 3 turnovers. Derrick White added 17 points and 8 assists, while Payton Pritchard scored 17 off the bench.

Pritchard went 7/8 from the line without a turnover. Even so, Boston's supporting cast could not keep pace with Detroit's second-half scoring.

Why did Boston lose after leading into the fourth quarter?

Boston lost because Detroit outscored them 39-25 in the fourth quarter, wiping out the lead the Celtics carried into it. Their good work had come earlier in the game.

The Celtics edged the first quarter 28-27 and then took the second 30-18, when the Pistons looked short of rhythm. Detroit's 37-30 third quarter narrowed the gap, setting up the final period.

Who led Detroit: Duren, Cunningham and the bench

Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 22 points each, with Duncan Robinson close behind on 21. Duren added 9 rebounds and 6/7 free throws in 28 minutes.

Cunningham ran the offence for 35 minutes and handed out 8 assists. His 1/6 from three and 5 turnovers were the weak spots in an otherwise solid line.

Last season he averaged 24.7 points and 9.5 assists over 78 games, so this was a quieter opening. Ausar Thompson filled the gaps with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists.

Javonte Green was the difference off the bench. He scored 19 points in 18 minutes, went 4/4 at the line and did not commit a turnover.

What does the result mean for Detroit and Boston?

Detroit open the season 1-0 and sit 2nd of 30, while Boston are 29th at 0-1. After one round, the table reflects the opening night more than the season ahead.

The Celtics play next, against the New York Knicks on 23 October. Detroit face the Miami Heat on 24 October, looking to build on a comeback driven by their second-half shooting.