Mar 26, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Blake Griffin (2) is defended by Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant (9) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Griffin made his return to Detroit on Friday evening as a member of the Brooklyn Nets and got a win and a tribute video from the Pistons.
The Brooklyn Nets barely edged out the Detroit Pistons in their matchup on Friday evening. It marked the first time Blake Griffin returned to Detroit since being bought out and signing with Brooklyn a little over a week ago.
Griffin scored 17 points in the Nets’ 113-111 win over his old team. James Harden went off for 44 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists in a notably strange game that included tons of free throws and technical fouls. After the game, The Beard made it known how he felt about the MVP race whispers that have been swirling around the league.
Still, even with all the on-court hostility, the night ended up being a good one for Griffin in his return to the Motor City.
Blake Griffin is starting to make his presence felt with the Nets
The Pistons played a tribute video for Griffin during a first-half timeout, and he stood to acknowledge the small number of fans in attendance. The veteran spent three-plus years with the Pistons after his notorious time with the “Lob City” LA Clippers. He reached a buyout agreement with Detroit earlier this month and made his way to the title-contending Nets.
Griffin was visibly appreciative of the fans in attendance and of his time in Detroit overall, but he has to be happy to be with Brooklyn.
The Nets were still without Kevin Durant (left hamstring strain) and Kyrie Irving (personal reasons) but Griffin, Harden, and company had just enough to secure the win and improve to 31-15 on the season. Griffin’s former team, meanwhile, fell to 12-32, last in the Eastern Conference standings.