The Detroit Pistons are 3-0 for the first time since 2015-16 after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 133-132 in overtime.

Blake Griffin became the sixth player in Pistons history to score 50 points and he was truly unbelievable this evening. Griffin hit his career-high 50th point to a “M-V-P” chant that ran throughout Little Caesars Arena. Griffin also pulled down 14 rebounds and dished 6 assists. In his post game presser, Pistons Coach Dwayne Casey commented on Griffin’s game winning play, “that’s what great players do. And he made a play.”

At the end of the fourth quarter Joel Embiid embellished a flagrant foul leading to an Andre Drummond ejection. Overall, Drummond struggled tonight but he still finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds.

In the fourth quarter, Ish Smith and Reggie Jackson played a lot together in the backcourt and it worked splendidly. Smith added 21 points, 19 scored in the second half/overtime while Jackson pitched in 23 with 3 assists.

Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 33 points along with 11 rebounds and 7 assists. J.J. Redick had a huge 4-point play in overtime on his way to 33 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds.

The Pistons showed extreme grit this evening battling through Embiid’s trash talk and the 76ers relentless pursuit. Pistons scored 18 more points in the paint than the 76ers while having 3 less turnovers.

The Pistons will look to stay one of the five undefeated teams when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-3) Thursday night at 7pm EST at Little Caesars Arena.

Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press