DETROIT — The Celtics fell just short of the Pistons in the latest battle between the top-2 teams in the East. Jaylen Brown’s jumper at the buzzer was off, [sealing the Celtics’ 104-103 loss to the Pistons](https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2026/01/4-takeaways-as-celtics-lose-thriller-to-pistons-in-physical-clash.html). The teams played a close game for the fourth time in four tries in what could be a potential playoff preview.
Despite missing the game-winning shot, Brown scored 32 points to pace the Celtics, making him Saturday’s “Name to Know” Player of the Game. The Name to Know Player of the Game is [sponsored by John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, the Name to Know when your drains don’t flow](https://johnsewer.com/?utm_source=mlm&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mlm_local_site_articlesponsor_celtics_playerofgame&utm_content=celtics).
It was a slog of a night for both sides in a physical matchup. Every loose ball saw multiple hands going for it with bodies consistently hitting the court. Brown’s physical style was notable even on an inefficient night, shooting 11-for-28 from the field. Brown also added 11 rebounds and two assists, though he also had four turnovers.
Brown’s defense was also an important weapon for the Celtics, including on fellow All-Star starter Cade Cunningham. The Pistons star shot just 4-for-17 on the floor with Brown matching up on him on multiple possessions. Cunningham did finish with 14 assists and zero turnovers on the night.
With the Celtics and Pistons at the top of the East standings, there’s plenty of buzz when it comes to a potential playoff series. The C’s dropped three of four games to Detroit, however, that’s just the regular season. When the game slows down in the playoffs, it’s about physicality and execution. Plus, all four games were close and came down to one or two possessions late in the game.