From Detroit to San Antonio: Results, highlights from NBA opening day tripleheader
Detroit pulled off the NBA's biggest opening-day comeback, Philadelphia spoiled the Knicks' banner night, and Oklahoma City avenged its conference finals loss in San Antonio as the 2026-27 season tipped off with a tripleheader.
The NBA tipped off its 2026-27 season with a bang Tuesday, and the opening tripleheader delivered drama from Detroit to San Antonio.
The day began with a rare afternoon game in Detroit, where the Pistons stunned the Celtics 121-113. Boston led by 22 points, but a huge fourth quarter from Duncan Robinson fueled a 23-0 Detroit run — the largest opening-day comeback in league history.
Ring night at Madison Square Garden brought the Knicks their first championship banner in 50 years — and an unwelcome guest. The new-look 76ers, featuring LeBron James alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, spoiled the celebration with a 106-100 win. Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with a team-high 21.
The nightcap was a rematch of the 2026 Western Conference finals. Five months after San Antonio beat Oklahoma City in Game 7 to reach the Finals, the Thunder got their revenge in the Spurs' building, 116-104. Back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 32 points on 13-of-27 shooting, while Victor Wembanyama endured a rough shooting night — 12 points on 1-of-13 — though he swatted six shots.
Three games, three storylines: the new season is officially underway.
Source: ESPN — Top Headlines — TrendWire reports stories in its own words; facts should be confirmed against the original source.