Energized by Reggie Jackson’s return, the Detroit Pistons smashed the Phoenix Suns 115-88 on Tuesday night. Jackson finished with five points and two assists in 12 minutes of play. Blake Griffin flirted with a triple-double, posting 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.
The Detroit Pistons (32-39) had spent nearly three months searching for answers.
Shortly before tip-off, the word finally arrived. Reggie Jackson was back.
And for the night, so were the Pistons.
Blake Griffin led all scorers with 26 points, as the Pistons steamrolled the Phoenix Suns (19-53) 115-88 on Tuesday at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Jackson (who played on a minutes restriction) finished with seven points and two assists.
It’s the first time since December that Detroit has won back-to-back games on the road.
Reggie Jackson back tonight and will start, SVG says. Short bursts but will allow him to get minutes with both Drummond, Griffin
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) March 21, 2018
Stan Van Gundy made the long-awaited announcement at the last minute. Jackson would see his first action in 37 games. The 27-year-old point guard went down with a Grade 3 ankle sprain against the Indiana Pacers back on Dec. 26.
The box score won’t show it, but his presence almost immediately invigorated Detroit’s offense. The floor was adequately spaced. A pick and roll threat was established. Van Gundy’s vision was working – albeit on relatively a small scale.
But it took roughly a quarter before the Pistons were truly acclimated. Phoenix dominated Detroit on the glass in the opening period with a 22-11 advantage. Despite the Pistons shooting 6-for-24, it was tied 19-19 heading into the second quarter.
And that’s when things began to click. Jackson’s 3-pointer with 10:28 to play in the half gave the Pistons a 25-23 lead. From that point on it was all Detroit.
"Dynamite dunk" pic.twitter.com/aP6IKT7Rj9
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 21, 2018
Griffin had one of his better outings as a Piston. He was careful with his shot selection, and utilized a number of pump fakes to drive by defenders. But his most impressive highlight was a diving outlet pass to a streaking Andre Drummond.
Six Pistons scored in double figures, including three off the bench. Luke Kennard looked much more comfortable with the ball in his hands. He finished with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Detroit shot 42 percent from beyond the arc, while holding the Suns’ 3-point shooters to 21 percent.
The Pistons will visit the Houston Rockets on Thursday for the final game of their Western Conference road trip. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit.