Detroit — Dwane Casey of the Pistons and Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni agreed before Friday’s game that home-and-home matchups offer teams a simulation of the NBA playoffs.
With an All-Star caliber closer of their own, the Pistons showed finally that they might be ready for a postseason atmosphere.
Blake Griffin combined with Reggie Jackson to close out a 116-111 overtime victory against Houston, Detroit’s first win after three home-and-home losses this season against the Celtics and the Rockets — teams whose seasons ended in the seventh game of the conference finals last season.
Jackson had 10 points in overtime and Griffin had five points in the extra session to close it out.