DETROIT (Michigan) • Blake Griffin generated the buzz, but it was another forward making key plays down the stretch to help the Detroit Pistons create a winning streak.
Anthony Tolliver scored five points in the last 1min 48sec and won a crucial jump ball in the final seconds to help the Pistons earn a 104-102 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Thursday. The Pistons won their second straight game after losing their previous eight.
Much of the focus was on Detroit debutant Griffin. And the five-time All-Star, who admitted he was shocked to find out on Twitter this week that he would be traded by the Los Angeles Clippers, delivered - with a game-high 24 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
One of those assists came with 1min 48sec left, when he found Tolliver open on the wing for a three-pointer that gave Detroit a 101-100 lead at the Little Caesars Arena.
"It was great to get a win," said Griffin, adding that things will only improve as he gets more familiar with his new team-mates. "We came in off of one shootaround. We'll keep getting better."
The 28-year-old's influence on the Pistons was already palpable after one game. The hosts outscored the Grizzlies by 23 points when he was on the floor and were outscored by 21 when he was on the bench.
Marc Gasol led Memphis with 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he missed a half-court shot as time expired.
REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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