The Detroit Pistons will host the reigning champions Boston Celtics on Saturday evening. Not only is this a chance to get ahead of last year’s title winners, but they also have a chance to get revenge.

Earlier this year, Celtics forward Jaylen Brown made some choice comments about the Pistons during a media day interview. He explained that on the nights they play against them, they have the opportunity to showcase their role players and boost team morale.

“The night we play, I don’t want to disrespect them, I want to disrespect the Detroit Pistons, who have struggled the last year or two.” Brown said. “We’re going to play through Payton (Pritchard) and let him score 30 points. We’re going to play through Sam (Hauser) and let him shoot 10 threes tonight. We will still win the game.”

Even though the Pistons had the worst record in the league last season, they are a completely different team. Numerous new faces were gained at all levels of the organization. The newly formed team failed to secure a victory in their first two games, but their increased competitiveness is clearly evident.

Brown’s perception of the Pistons was discussed by Trajan Langdon, Detroit’s president of basketball operations, earlier this week. He understands teams see them as an easy win, but that’s a perception they’re looking to change this season. Even if it doesn’t equate to winning, they will show it to their opponents every night.

Even in the second leg of a back-to-back game, the Pistons have an opportunity on Saturday to show the league that they are a team that can no longer be easily overlooked.