The NBA is back, and opening day did not waste any time delivering drama. The league’s 81st season tipped off on Tuesday, October 20, with a tripleheader on NBC and Peacock that featured a huge comeback, a championship banner, a debut for a new-look superteam and a heated playoff rematch.

Here are the biggest takeaways, based on reporting and box scores from NBA.com and the AP recap via ESPN.

Pistons 121, Celtics 113: a comeback for the record books

The season’s first game looked like a showcase for Paul George. In his Celtics debut, the 37-year-old scored 38 points, the most ever by a Celtic in a debut. He hit three 3-pointers in less than a minute early in the third quarter to push Boston ahead 72-50, and along the way moved into eighth place on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers list, passing Kyle Korver.

Then Detroit flipped the game. Javonte Green, who did not play in the first half, scored 19 points in the second, and Duncan Robinson added 21 points, making five 3-pointers. An 18-0 run in the fourth quarter put the Pistons in control, and they held on for a 121-113 win.

According to NBA.com, it was the largest opening-day comeback in 30 years. Jalen Duren had 22 points and nine rebounds, Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists, and the Pistons won the rebounding battle 59-45.

For Boston, Jayson Tatum had a tough shooting night, finishing with 13 points and 11 assists as he begins his first full season since tearing his Achilles tendon in May 2025.

76ers 106, Knicks 100: spoiling the party at the Garden

Before tipoff in New York, the Knicks raised a championship banner at Madison Square Garden, celebrating their first title in 53 years. “This is really a dream come true,” Jalen Brunson told the crowd.

The new-look Sixers did not let the celebration carry over. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points, Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his Sixers debut, and LeBron James, beginning a record 24th NBA season, posted 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Joel Embiid chipped in 13 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.

“I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively,” James said after the 106-100 win.

Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Thunder 116, Spurs 104: ‘Game 8’ goes to OKC

The nightcap was billed as a rematch of the 2025 Western Conference Finals, and NBC’s Grant Hill called it “Game 8.” Oklahoma City led by 19 at halftime and held off every San Antonio push.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, and Jared McCain added 20 with six 3-pointers. The Thunder won the bench scoring battle 48-29 and shot 14 of 31 from deep. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 24 points, while Victor Wembanyama made his presence felt on defense with a string of blocks.

Gilgeous-Alexander kept it in perspective: “One of 82. This doesn’t prove anything, this doesn’t mean anything except we won tonight.”

What it all means

It is one night out of a long season, but a few early storylines are already taking shape:

  • Detroit’s depth and shooting could make the Pistons a tough out in a loaded Eastern Conference.
  • The Sixers’ star group of Maxey, Brown, James and Embiid showed early chemistry.
  • Paul George still has plenty left, even if Boston’s offense needs time to settle.
  • The Thunder look every bit like a contender.

Up next

The Celtics host the Knicks on Friday, while the Pistons visit Miami. With the rest of the league tipping off this week, there is plenty more to come.

The final whistle

Opening day gave fans a historic comeback, a banner night that turned bittersweet and a reminder of why the Thunder and Spurs rivalry is must-watch TV. If this is the preview, the 2026-27 season is going to be a fun one.

Image: Basketball arena via Rawpixel, CC0 1.0