Blake Griffin debuted for his new team and he made sure that it was memorable as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 104-102 Thursday night.
He finished the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds to become the first player since Grant Hill to grab at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in his debut for the Pistons.
In his own debut on November 4, 1994, Hill scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 38 minutes of playing time. He was considered the future of Detroit basketball from that point forward. Hill is considered one of the best players that ever played for the Pistons and is likely to enter the Hall of Fame in the next few years.
Perhaps Griffin’s debut performance is an indication of the future success ahead for both the player and the franchise. The Pistons are making a push for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. They currently have a 24-26 record, good for only ninth in the East. With Griffin aboard in tandem with center Andre Drummond, the Pistons’ chances of making it to the playoffs have increased.
The newest addition to the Pistons was scoring early and often in the first half with 13 points including a 3-pointer. He also grabbed seven rebounds, showing Pistons fans, players, and the front office that they didn’t make a mistake by trading for him.
His first points came off of a circus shot as he drove down the lane, threw up an awkward push shot, and the ball found its way off the backboard and into the basket.
Griffin also added five assists and two blocks.