Pistons beat Celtics at their own game by winning the battle on the boards

The Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics 121-113 in their regular-season opener, fueled by controlling the boards. Detroit outrebounded Boston 49-39 overall, led by Ausar Thompson with 11 rebounds and Jalen Duren with nine. The Pistons also grabbed 14 offensive rebounds to Boston's 12, creating crucial extra possessions and outscoring the Celtics 24-16 in second-chance points.

A key 23-0 run in the second half powered Detroit to victory. Jordanna Clark argues that Duren's physicality proved decisive following his $200 million contract extension. Boston's offseason addition, Mitchell Robinson, was limited to just one offensive board in 18 minutes as Detroit neutralized Boston's rebounding strength.