Detroit scored the first two points of overtime to cut what was a 19-point Celtics lead to six.
And then Boston left the Pistons in the dust.
The Celtics scored eight of the game’s next 10 points to rebuild a 12-point lead before pulling out a 127-109 victory.
Jayson Tatum had 38 points, including 24 in the third quarter.
Malcolm Brogdon added 25 points off the bench, while Al Horford added 11 points and seven rebounds for Boston.
Derrick White finished with 11 points and six assists.
Marcus Smart contributed nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals in his first game since missing nine with a sprained right ankle.
The Eastern Conference-leading Celtics (42-17) enter the All-Star break with five wins in their last six games.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 28 points and five rebounds, Isaiah Stewart added 14 points. Detroit has lost five of six games.
(With information from NBA)
