CHICAGO (AP) — Blake Griffin had 33 points and 12 rebounds, Ish Smith scored all 15 of his points in the second half, including the game-winning basket, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Bulls 118-116 on Saturday night in Chicago's home opener.
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.
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).
With the score tied at 116, Smith drove through the defense for a layup with 5.4 seconds left.
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.
TIP-INS
Pistons: F Reggie Bullock (illness) and F Stanley Johnson (toe) returned to the starting lineup after missing the opener against Brooklyn. Bullock finished with 16 points in 24 minutes, while Johnson had 10 points in 30 minutes.
Bulls: Valentine will be out for at least another two weeks after a scan on Friday revealed a bone bruise in his left ankle. He'll be re-evaluated in two weeks. "It's not that bad," Valentine said. "My ankle's feeling better, so it's just time." . Dunn missed his second straight game following the birth of his first child. He is expected to rejoin the team Monday in Dallas.
UP NEXT
Pistons: Host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
Bulls: At the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.
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