Even though the Clippers caught up to the Pistons and took them into overtime, they couldn’t outscore them in the extra period and lost 113-107.

Down at halftime, LA made up lost ground in the third quarter, outscoring Detroit 27-17, and then kept pace in the fourth, with each team getting 29 points. The Pistons then used a 9-0 run in the OT to seal it.

Rodney Stuckey made a layup and converted a three-point play then Jason Maxiell followed with three free throws for a seven point lead.

Blake Griffin had 18 points and a career-high 18 rebounds for the Clippers and Eric Gordon – in his first game back after injury – had 28 points and five assists. Eric Bledsoe added 18 for LA, while Craig Smith had 14 and Rasual Butler scored 12 off the bench.

Charlie Villanueva had a game-high 30 for Detroit and five others scored in double figures including Richard Hamilton (12), Rodney Stuckey (17), Tayshaun Prince (10), Austin Daye (12) and Jason Maxiell (11).

Even in the loss, Griffin had several highlight reel plays including a breakaway steal/dunk and a monster two-handed slap in the third.

photos by AP