The Boston Celtics opened their 2026– 27 NBA season on a historical low note on Tuesday. In a brand-new period not led by a star duo, the Celtics were on the incorrect side of history by giving up a 22-point third-quarter cushion to fall 121– 113 to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. After a psychological offseason for the fanbase, fans required somebody to blame. For Paul George, Jayson Tatum was it.
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What started as a commanding screen for Boston rapidly developed into a landmark collapse, powered by a 23-0 run by Detroit in the late phases of the 3rd and 4th quarters. The loss marked the biggest resurgence success on opening night in the NBA play-by-play period, going back to the 1997– 98 season.
It was a disconcerting departure for a Boston franchise that held a best 38-0 record last season, leading by 20 or more points. Last season had a various anchor who scored his very first regular-season pail for the 76ers on a LeBron James help under the Knicks’ champion banner.
While 36-year-old Paul George produced an unforgettable franchise launching, scoring 38 points together with 5 rebounds and 5 takes after being gotten from Philadelphia for 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, the spotlight moved directly onto Jayson Tatum’s challenging night.
Tatum sustained a horrible shooting efficiency, completing with 13 points and 11 helps on 6-of-23 shooting from the field, consisting of going 0-for-7 from three-point variety. Tatum handled simply 2 points on 1-of-10 shooting in the 2nd half, missing out on essential appearances down the stretch as the Pistons installed their last rise.
Resolving his battles after the video game, Tatum stayed positive in his shot choice regardless of the result.
“I imply, it felt great,” Tatum informed press reporters. “Definitely not one of my finest nights, certainly. I simply need to play much better. Part of my function is scoring, so I felt truly excellent about a great deal of the appearances. Enjoying movie, most likely slowing down in some of those minutes to be much better. It’s more about simply making a play, perhaps for myself, however for my colleagues.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla echoed Tatum’s point of view, keeping in mind that the forward had great shot choice tonight, even if the execution failed.
The optimism, however, is not felt by the Celtics fanbase, who’ve been through a psychological rollercoaster and desire guarantee that Brad Stevens made the ideal call.
Celtics fans target Jayson Tatum for opening night collapse
Following the last buzzer, social networks appeared with singing responses targeting Boston’s now sole resident of the spotlight. While Celtics fans and experts were stunned by PG13 still surpassing his more youthful colleagues, fans revealed aggravation that Tatum’s cold shooting night thwarted what might have been a triumphant launching for George.
Pointing straight to his late-game misfires, one fan candidly stated, “They actually lost due to the fact that of Tatum.”
JB Bickerstaff freely took credit for JT’s efficiency tonight by informing press reporters the secret to decreasing Tatum is “Ausar Thompson. That easy. You get him in 1-on-1 circumstances, you’re gon na remain in for a long night no matter who you are.”
Ausar undoubtedly made Tatum’s rewarding agreement extension appear like a waste throughout the second-half dry spell. A fan in shock even offered, “You can pay me a hundred million to head out there and play like outright s–!”
Other advocates concentrated on the offseason trade that sent out Jaylen Brown away, contrasting Tatum’s efficiency with George’s hot hand. Critics felt confirmed to state, “Celtics traded their 1st alternative to let Tatum really show hes that guy and IMMEDIATLY getting beat by 36yr old Paul George video game 1”
The discussion naturally wandered back to the lack of Brown, who invested years forming Boston’s wing tandem along with Tatum. Evaluating his private play without his long time running mate, a fan kept in mind,”He bad without Jaylen Brown lol “
George’s 38-point outburst led numerous fans to question the hierarchy in Boston’s offense moving forward. Shocked by the instant scoring shift, one user composed, “Pg run that group now “
In spite of heavy online criticism, an area of the fan base advised persistence offered the length of the routine season. Advising fellow advocates that it’s just the very first video game of the season, one positive fan concluded, “There’s 81 video games left, Tatum requires to chill. His video game will return quickly ideally.”
Boston will aim to rebound from the opening night loss on Friday when they return home to host the New York Knicks at TD Garden.
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