GRIFFIN DROPS 44 VS. FORMER TEAM
Blake Griffin helps end Detroit’s 4-game skid in first match against LA Clippers in Staples Center
Blake Griffin scored 44 points in his return to Staples Center for the first time against his old team and the Detroit Pistons beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 on Saturday to snap a four-game skid.
Griffin was greeted with cheers during pregame introductions and received a standing ovation after a first-quarter video tribute from the team that drafted him first overall in 2009.
He stuck his right arm in the air and then brought his raised hands together in a thankful gesture without smiling. He clearly wanted to beat the team that stunningly traded him last January after he had signed a $171 million, five-year extension.
Griffin scored 15 points in the opening quarter when he got razzed by superfan Clipper Darrell during free throw attempts. He had 26 points in the first half to help Detroit to a 65-54 lead.
His 3-pointer to start the third and a basket by Andre Drummond pushed Detroit to a 16-point lead. Griffin had a one-hand slam reminiscent of his old Lob City days.
Andre Drummond had 20 points and 21 rebounds for the Pis- tons. Danilo Gallinari led the Clippers with 23 points
SUNS 102, NUGGETS 93
In Phoenix, Kelly Oubre Jr. matched his career high with 26 points for the second time in three games and Phoenix beat Denver, a victory for the team with the worst record in the Western Conference over the team with the best.
Oubre also tied his career best with 11 rebounds. Deandre Ayton added 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns. They have won two of three with Devin Booker sidelined with back spasms.
Nikola Jokic had 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets. Denver fell to just a half-game ahead of Golden State for best record in the West.
TIMBERWOLVES 110, PELICANS 106
In Minneapolis, Karl-Anthony Towns had 27 points and a career-high 27 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves hold off Anthony Davis and New Orleans. /