Butler, 76ers rally without Embiid, beat Pistons

DETROIT >> Jimmy Butler scored 38 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers overcame Joel Embiid’s absence Friday night, rallying from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Detroit Pistons 117-111.

Blake Griffin had 31 points and 12 rebounds for Detroit, but the Pistons squandered their big third-quarter lead, as well as a six-point advantage in the fourth.

The 76ers rested Embiid, who missed his first game of the season, but Detroit couldn’t take advantage of the big man’s absence.

Butler, who also scored 38 points in a loss at Toronto on Wednesday night, had 26 in the second half Friday.

The Pistons led 71-56 in the third before Philadelphia went on a 22-5 run to take the lead. Detroit was up 98-92 in the fourth, but the 76ers went on a 16-2 tear to take control.

The Pistons were up 100-97 when Detroit coach Dwane Casey received a technical foul arguing a foul call. JJ Redick made the free throw, and then added a 3-pointer to put Philadelphia ahead to stay. The 76ers then ran off another seven points in a row.

Griffin received a technical of his own in the last couple minutes of the game.

Coach Brett Brown says he thinks reasting Embiid was the right move for the long run.

Embiid was drafted in 2014 but has only played 120 NBA games because of injury problems. He shot 5 of 17 from the field in a loss at Toronto on Wednesday night.

The 76ers were also without Markelle Fultz (thoracic outlet syndrome), Justin Patton (right foot surgery) and Zhaire Smith (left foot fracture).

Detroit was missing Reggie Bullock (left ankle sprain) and Ish Smith (right adductor tear), and Stanley Johnson (sore left knee) was a late scratch Friday.

NEW YORK >> D’Angelo Russell scored 29 points, including six in overtime, and the Brooklyn Nets snapped an eight-game losing streak by beating the Toronto Raptors 106-105.

Brooklyn picked the most unlikely way to end its skid, snapping a 12game slide against Toronto with its first victory over the Raptors since April 3, 2015.