NBA opening night: Detroit Pistons defeat Boston Celtics as LeBron James wins on Philadelphia 76ers debut

Detroit Pistons began the NBA season with a 121-113 victory over Boston Celtics in the opening game of the campaign.

Paul George, who recently joined Boston, led all scorers with 38 points despite his team’s defeat.

In another opening-night fixture, Philadelphia 76ers, led by newly signed star LeBron James, beat reigning NBA champions New York Knicks.

The game marked James’ first appearance for Philadelphia, and the NBA legend scored 14 points. The 76ers were also powered by 28 points from Tyrese Maxey.

New York’s leading scorer was Jalen Brunson, who finished with 21 points.

The final game of the opening day saw Oklahoma City Thunder beat San Antonio Spurs 116-104 in a repeat of last season’s Western Conference Finals match-up.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s Most Valuable Player last season, scored 32 points for Oklahoma City.

San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama contributed 12 points and completed 13 rebounds.