What happened: The opening-day meeting in Detroit stayed close into the closing stretch. George converted to bring Boston within four. Thompson answered to move Detroit back ahead by six.

Why it matters: Opening-night possessions help set early closing lineups and rotation trust. Boston is integrating Paul George into its wing group after the trade, while Detroit is leaning on Thompson after his Sept. 22 extension.

What to watch: The closing stretch will test Detroit's assignments on George. The final minutes will clarify late-game scoring responsibility on both sides.