After a full three-day pleasant and relaxing break, the highly anticipated Boston Celtics were about to play their third game of the new season on their familiar home court.
Their challengers this time were none other than an old acquaintance—the Detroit Pistons.
It was worth mentioning that the Detroit Pistons had successfully brought back one of their franchise heroes this season—Chauncey Billups.
This legendary star had led the Detroit Pistons to the championship in 2004. With averages of 21 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in the Finals, he had rightfully claimed that year's Finals MVP honors.
Even last season, Chauncey Billups had still shown that he had plenty left in the tank, averaging 8.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His fighting power could not be underestimated.
After all, Chauncey Billups not only possessed outstanding basketball skills, but also invaluable wealth of game experience.
As the saying went, having an elder at home was like having a treasure. He would surely help the young players on this Detroit Pistons squad grow quickly.
At the same time, during the recently concluded offseason, the Detroit Pistons had also successfully recruited a formidable player—Josh Smith.
The team had signed Josh Smith to a four-year contract worth a total of $54 million.
Josh Smith's individual numbers last season had been equally eye-catching, as he averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
In addition, the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks had completed a headline-grabbing trade.
The Detroit Pistons had sent Brandon Knight, Khris Middleton, and Viacheslav Kravtsov—three highly capable players—to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Brandon Jennings, who had performed brilliantly last season.
After all, Brandon Jennings had put up an impressive stat line of 17.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game