Jayson Tatum acknowledged that he needed to improve after the Boston Celtics squandered a 22-point lead in a 121-113 season-opening loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.
Tatum finished with 13 points and 11 assists but struggled with his shooting, making six of 23 attempts from the field and missing all seven of his three-point attempts. Detroit took control in the second half, with Javonte Green scoring 19 points after not playing in the first half.
“I think probably got a little stagnant on offense, and it led to our defense,” Tatum said when asked what caused Detroit’s comeback. He also pointed to Boston’s inability to keep track of Duncan Robinson, who scored 21 points and made five three-pointers.
Tatum said the Celtics needed better communication when the Pistons increased their defensive pressure.
“They just tried to pick up their pressure a little bit, and we got to be better handling that,” he said.
Boston had built its biggest lead at 72-50 early in the third quarter, but Detroit cut the deficit to six entering the fourth and outscored the Celtics 39-25 in the final period.
Tatum said Boston needed to respond more effectively when its offense stalled, identifying defensive stops and rebounding as important factors in getting back into rhythm.
“A couple times we gave up offensive rebounds, they were scoring, we were fouling,” Tatum said. “That kind of just slows the game down.”
Despite the defeat, Tatum praised Paul George, who scored 38 points in his Celtics debut after arriving from Philadelphia in the offseason.
“He was unbelievable,” Tatum said. “Just the confidence he played with, obviously making plays on defense, but just kind of getting through his spots.”
Tatum also acknowledged that Boston’s new-look roster would need time to develop its chemistry. With several players expected to take on larger responsibilities, he said everyone would need to be prepared for different roles throughout the season.
Reflecting on his own performance, Tatum said he felt comfortable with many of his shots but recognized that he could have made better decisions.
“Definitely not one of my best nights. Obviously, I just have to play better,” he said. “It’s more about just making the play, maybe for myself, but for my teammates.”
The opener also marked the beginning of Tatum’s first full season since he tore his Achilles tendon in May 2025. Asked how it felt to return to a regular-season game after that recovery, he said he had been reflecting on where he was a year earlier.
“Just kind of getting back into the flow and rhythm of being a part of a regular season again,” Tatum said.
Boston will try to respond when it hosts the New York Knicks on Friday.
