Griffin scores 44 vs. old team

LOS ANGELES — 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.

SUNS 102, NUGGETS 93

In Phoenix, Kelly Oubre Jr. matched his career high with 26 points for the second time in three games and the Suns beat Denver, a victory for the team with the worst record in the Western Conference over the team with the best.

TIMBERWOLVES 110, PELICANS 106

In Minneapolis, Karl-Anthony Towns had 27 points and a careerhigh 27 rebounds to help the Timberwolves hold off New Orleans.

Towns swished a 3-pointer to make it 106-103 with 2:55 left, giving the Timberwolves the lead for good. Then he blocked a 3-point try by Davis, triggering a fast break that Tyus Jones finished with a layup.

MAGIC 105, CELTICS 103

In Orlando, Fla., Aaron Gordon had 28 points and 12 rebounds and the Magic held off Boston.

THUNDER 122, SPURS 112

In Oklahoma City, Dennis Schroder scored all of his 19 points in the second half to help the Thunder beat San Antonio.

HEAT 112, GRIZZLIES 108

In Miami, Justise Winslow scored 26 points, Dwyane Wade had a huge blocked shot in the final seconds and the Heat beat Memphis.