Blake Griffin scored 27 points (14 in the paint), and the Detroit Pistons went on a 22-5 run in the third quarter to beat the Boston Celtics 113-104 to end a 6-game losing streak.
The Celtics went on a 16-6 run to lead 66-63 with 9:05 left in the third quarter. Andre Drummond’s 2 free throws put the Pistons ahead for good with 7:40 left in the quarter. He scored 8 points and Griffin added 6 during the run. The Pistons led 85-71 with 1:30 left in the quarter.
Drummond had 19 points, 20 rebounds, 3 steals and 5 blocks.
For the Celtics, Kyrie Irving had 26 points (14 in the paint), 8 rebounds and 3 steals, and Marcus Smart added 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals.
The Pistons shot 48.8% from the field and 33.3% from 3 to the Celtics’ 41.5% and 27.3%. They did not make a field goal in the last 3:37. The Pistons’ starters outscored the Celtics 38-28 in 14 minutes together. Jose Calderon fouled out for the Pistons, and Marcus Morris Sr. for the Celtics.