Blake Griffin was having a big game and he had just hit a key 3-pointer on his previous attempt. Still, the perennial All-Star had no problem deferring to a reserve for a potential game-winning shot Saturday night. Griffin had 33 points and 12 rebounds, Ish Smith scored all 15 of his points in the second half, including the decisive basket, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Bulls 118-116 in Chicago’s home opener.
“Ish is unbelievable,” Griffin said. “He just does so many things that are huge for our team. I think the team recognizes that, but I hope everybody else does, too.”
Griffin was 12 for 23 from the field, including 5 of 7 on 3-pointers, as Detroit won its second straight to start the season. With the score tied at 116, Smith drove through the defense for a layup with 5.4 seconds left.
“Coach (Dwane Casey) set up a great play and I got two great screens,” Smith said.
Zach LaVine had 33 points on 12-of-22 shooting for Chicago, which dropped its second consecutive game. The Bulls played without starters Kris Dunn (excused absence) and Lauri Markkanen (sprained right elbow), and reserve Denzel Valentine (left ankle).
“I loved his aggressiveness,” coach Fred Hoiberg said of LaVine. “I thought he started the game attacking and that’s when he’s at his best.”
Detroit had a 60-58 halftime lead despite shooting 34 percent in the first two quarters. Griffin had 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting. LaVine had 19 first-half points for Chicago. The Pistons led 85-84 entering the fourth before the Bulls scored four straight points. Smith put Detroit back on top 89-88 and the Pistons held a slim advantage until LaVine hit a 3-pointer with 24.6 seconds left. After Smith’s basket, Chicago had a chance to tie or go ahead with a 3, but LaVine lost the ball – he was pressured by Griffin – as he rose for a 3-pointer.
“It can’t happen,” LaVine said. “It has to be either a miss or a make, so that’s really upsetting to lose that way. We played so good and to have it end like that, it’s an emotional roller-coaster.
Griffin was asked if he got a hand on the ball. “I don’t know,” he said. “I’m gonna say yeah for now.”
