NBA news: 76ers shock Knicks, Thunder outclass Spurs and Pistons overturn Celtics on opening night
The highly anticipated new NBA season tipped off on Tuesday with some thrilling match-ups, including an Atlantic Division rivalry and a Western Conference final rematch.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Lorenzo Gagliotta takes a look at what happened on the opening night of the 2026-27 campaign.
Pistons overturn Celtics in comeback win
The Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics kickstarted the new NBA season with an enthralling Eastern Conference battle in the Little Caesars Arena, with Detroit beating Boston 121-113.
Boston started with their new acquisition from the Philadelphia 76ers, Paul George, who put on an impressive 38-point display on his debut.
He also surpassed Kyle Korver to sit eighth on the NBA’s all-time three-pointer list.
Taking the more responsible role, Jayson Tatum struggled to find a rhythm in a poor shooting performance, making no shots from the perimeter.
Despite Tatum’s lack of scoring contribution, the Celtics took control of the game in the first half.
Guard Cade Cunningham, meanwhile, proved why he is the head of the snake for the Pistons, linking well with fellow guard Duncan Robinson for a combined 43 points.
The second half saw a completely different Detroit team, with Javonte Green coming up big off the bench, contributing 19 points despite not making an appearance in the first half.
Coach JB Bickerstaff’s team then smelled blood in the latter stages of the game, capitalising on Boston’s sloppy possessions and getting themselves into a rhythm to take control of the game.
Big defensive plays by centre Jalen Duren ultimately saw the pendulum swing the Pistons’ way as they managed to close out a solid comeback win at home on opening night.
76ers take down defending champions Knicks
Defending champions the New York Knicks brought home their first championship in 53 years, raising their banner in front of the fans, and faced a division rival in the Philadelphia 76ers, who won the game 106-100.
Guard Tyrese Maxey started the most confident in the game, playing a big part on both ends on the floor.
Coach Mike Brown’s side took their time finding their tempo on the offence, with star player OG Anunoby making a slow start on the shooting front.
It was actually the second units off the bench from both teams who excelled in the first half, with new Knick centre Andre Drummond a presence in the paint, amassing 10 points and 12 rebounds in the first half alone.
Sixers guard Anfernee Simons made some big shots early in the game to keep it a close encounter between the two teams.
Newcomers LeBron James and Jaylen Brown combined well to find each other in great scoring positions on the floor, proving they have a strong connection.
Team leader Jalen Brunson led the Knicks into the lead in the first half as he contributed well on the offensive end, with 15 points.
Philadelphia flew out the traps in the second half, taking an early lead by breaking down New York on the transition and turning defence into offence at rapid speed.
Centre Joel Embiid found his feet in the second half too, contributing at both ends to finish the game with a 13-point and 11-rebound performance.
The home side looked to bring the crowd back into the game, hustling for every possession as they narrowed the lead, but soon capitulated after not converting on good looks.
The stellar Sixers ran away with the game in the end thanks to a resilient display on an important night for the Knicks.
Spurs fall against Thunder at home
The opening-night triple-header was closed out by what has become a brewing rivalry in the Western Conference between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the latter winning 116-104.
A game that boasted a play-off atmosphere started evenly balanced, but the Thunder found their stride early on through the likes of Jalen Williams and two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Guards Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie carried the load for the Spurs, who started poor from the trifecta, not making a single shot from the three in the first few possessions of the game.
Off the bench, Alex Caruso and Jared McCain rained down three-pointers in a remarkable shooting display, combining for 14 points and bringing instant impact.
Coach Mark Daigneault introduced rookie Adey Mara into the game early and he promptly made his presence felt on both defence and offence.
The match-up offered a frenetic first half of basketball, with relentless running and a little bit of animosity from both teams.
After an incredible post-season run last year, San Antonio’s Dylan Harper brought his energy and second-chance points to the floor, keeping it a tight encounter.
The Thunder managed 11 different scorers in the first half, with Gilgeous-Alexander doing what he does best – separating from defenders and getting to his spot to score, making it look effortless on his way to ending the game with 32 points.
Defensive player of the year Victor Wembanyama struggled in shooting but found his rhythm towards the end of the first half while showing why he’s monstrous in defence through some brilliant battles with OKC’s Chet Holmgren.
As the second half progressed, the away team managed to break down the Spurs zonal defence more and more.
The hosts looked to surge and cut the deficit, but Oklahoma City took full control in the end, closing the game out in classy fashion and taking down San Antonio in an enticing play-off rematch on opening night.
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