Pistons news: Blake Griffin joins Isiah Thomas with huge statistical feat

Blake Griffin became the first Piston since Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas to score 40-plus points and grab at least 10 rebounds in a game.

Blake Griffin not only reached an individual feat Tuesday night at home against the Philadelphia 76ers, but he also put his name in the Detroit Pistons history book.

Griffin scored a career-high 50 points versus the Sixers to help the Pistons improve to 3-0. The five-time All-Star also grabbed 14 rebounds. By doing so, Blake Griffin became the first Piston since Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas to score 40-plus points and grab at least 10 rebounds in a game. Thomas did it back in 1983 when he scored 46 points while securing 10 rebounds.

Tonight, Blake Griffin became the first @DetroitPistons player since Isiah Thomas (46 PTS, 10 REB on Feb. 8, 1983) to put up 40+ PTS and 10+ REB in a game. pic.twitter.com/32TokPVJGC

— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) October 24, 2018

Griffin shot 20-of-35 from the field, 5-of-10 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-11 from the free-throw line in 44 minutes of action. It was a signature performance from Griffin, who looks revitalized this season after having a tumultuous year in 2017-18.

The All-Star big man signed a five-year, $171 million deal with the L.A. Clippers in July of 2017. During that July free agent meeting, the Clippers sold Griffin on the “Clipper for life” theme and a No. 32 jersey retired in the rafters at Staples Center. Griffin didn’t take any meetings with other teams because he wanted to remain in Los Angeles and finish what he started.

Just six months later, the Clippers shocked the NBA world when they traded Blake Griffin to the Pistons. No one saw the trade coming, especially Griffin.

The Pistons were expected to make a playoff push in the Eastern Conference last season after trading for Griffin, but that never transpired. Griffin, center Andre Drummond, and guard Reggie Jackson were only in the lineup together for a mere four games.

It's still early, but Blake Griffin and the Pistons look like they can make some serious noise in the East now that LeBron James is out West. The former Dunk Contest winner worked on his 3-point shooting this offseason and was able to hit the weight room as well since he didn't have to rehab an injury. The early returns look good for Griffin.