What happened: The exchange came late in the fourth quarter of the Boston-Detroit opener in Detroit. Thompson's answer re-established a two-possession margin after George had cut it to one possession.

Why it matters: An opening-day finish decided in the final minutes gives both rotations a closing-lineup reference point. Detroit keeping the lead at home starts the 2026-27 campaign with a home win in hand.

What to watch: Both teams complete the opening slate before the schedule moves to the next Eastern Conference dates.