The Celtics got their first real test of the season from an unexpected source, as the Pistons gave them everything they could handle, but clutch plays by multiple starters helped keep the defending champions unbeaten in a 122-116 victory.
Here are the takeaways.
1. The Celtics appeared to be well on their way to yet another blowout in the early going behind a big first half by Jayson Tatum. The Pistons didn’t appear to have an answer for the Celtics’ unique ability to beat defenders and force help, which jump-started their 3-point heavy attack. The lead stretched as wide as 24 in the first half.