The L.A. Clippers were looking to continue their solid start to the season. L.A.'s other team is challenging the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs for top spot in the Western Conference. They had also dropped just one game in 13 contests -- and would be on the road against the Detroit Pistons, a team they have beaten 11 straight times.
Doc Rivers has not lost to the team from Motown since he became coach of the Clips.
But it looks like that streak will come to an end -- Blake Griffin misses the lay-up and the Pistons go the other way --- John Leuer gets the awkward dunk and it is a 15-point lead.
The visitors would try and get back into the contest, Austin Rivers uses the pick and gets to the rack for the tough hoop -- but the Clips still trail by 14.
The Pistons would try and keep the opposition in their rearview mirror, Aron Baynes gets the pocket pass and finishes. Mankind keeps it a 14-point game.
But the Clips start to chip away at the margin -- Blake Griffin works the pick-and-roll and gets the hoop inside. It is now an 8-point margin. Griffin thought he was fouled.
And the visitors continue to trim the lead -- in transition, J.J. redick gets his man in the air, and then nails the triple -- 80-77 now.
And the Clips erase an 18-point margin and go in front on the Raymond Felton reverse. L.A, leads 84-82.
But team Motown would be able to get back in front -- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sets his feet and gets the triple -- as Detroit leads by 11.
L.A. would try and get back into it, but lose possession on the fast break -- and then in transition Ish Smith finds Marcus Morris for the throwdown. Detroit wins it by 11 and snap an 11-game losing streak to the Clippers.
In other action Kevin Durant's 29 paced Golden State over the Lakers. James Harden hard a triple double of 23 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in Houston's win over Sacramento. San Antonio got by Boston. Cleveland set an NBA record by hitting 20-straight three pointers in an easy win over Dallas. Russell Westbrook had 36 points, 18 assists and 12 rebounds in OKC's OT win over Denver. Knicks beat Charlotte in overtime.
