DETROIT Pistons’ Blake Griffin attacks basket against Los Angeles Clippers’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. AP GRIFFIN ZAPS FORMER TEAM
LOS ANGELES — Blake Griffin kept his emotions to himself in his return to Staples Center for the first time against his old team.
We’re really happy to get the win for Blake
After scoring 44 points in the Detroit Pistons’ 109-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, he allowed himself a trip down memory lane.
“The best thing to be a part of is something that is bigger than yourself and that is what that was,” he said in a crowded hallway outside the Pistons’ locker room.
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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.
“There was a lot of hype coming into this game and I was looking forward to it, but I’m glad that it’s over,” he said. “The next time I come, it won’t be as crazy.”
Griffin 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 super fan Clipper Darrell during free throw attempts. He had 26 points in the first half to help Detroit to a 65-54 lead.
The next time I come, it won’t be as crazy.
“Hey Blake, we miss you but enough for tonight, okay?” a Clippers fan implored.
His three-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.
“He played great,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said.
Griffin left the court near the end of the third because of back spasms and returned briefly wearing a hot wrap.
The Clippers tied it at 97 on a three-pointer by Lou Williams after outscoring the Pistons 17-7 to open the fourth.
Reggie Bullock had two three-pointers around Drummond’s dunk and Griffin’s hook for a 107-99 lead.
“We’re really happy to get the win for Blake,” Bullock said.
The Clippers got within three and Griffin missed two three-pointers in the closing seconds.
