Detroit Pistons end losing streak with win over Los Angeles Clippers

The Detroit Pistons brought an end to their four-game losing streak with a 109-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Blake Griffin, facing his former team, received a warm reception in his first return to the Staples Center since being traded a year ago, and put up a dominant performance, scoring a total of 44 points.

The forward poured in 26 points in the first half to help gift the Pistons an 11-point lead and pushed them further ahead with a three-pointer at the start of the third, while Andre Drummond provided the back-up with 20 points and 21 rebounds.

In Miami, the Heat escaped with a 112-108 win over the Memphis Grizzlies thanks to a last-gasp block shot from Dwyane Wade.

In the dying seconds, Shelvin Mack’s lay-up was denied by Wade, who finished with 10 points, as the Heat improved to 21-20 for the season.

Kelly Oubre Jr sank 26 points to match his career high for the second time in three games as the Phoenix Suns topped the Denver Nuggets 102-93.

The loss puts Denver just half a game ahead of the Golden State Warriors for the best West record.

Karl-Anthony Towns had a career-high 27 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves to a narrow 110-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Towns added 27 points, including the go-ahead three pointer with 2.55 left on the clock.

The Orlando Magic edged the Boston Celtics 105-103, Aaron Gordon top-scoring with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Dennis Schroder rallied in the second half to put away 19 points and lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 122-112 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

The Chicago Bulls’ losing streak hit seven games as the Utah Jazz triumphed 110-102, and Willie Cauley-Stein recorded his second double-double in a row as the Sacramento Kings beat the Charlotte Hornets 104-97.