Injured Pistons star Griffin returns in Game 3 loss
Detroit Pistons All-Star forward Blake Griffin was in the starting lineup on Saturday for the first time in the first-round series with the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks.
Griffin missed the first two games with a left knee injury, and the eighth-seeded Pistons lost the contests by an average of 28 points. His knee and leg were heavily wrapped as he took the court for the start of Game 3, which the Bucks went on to win 119-103 and take a 3-0 lead in the series.
In 31 minutes, Griffin racked up 27 points, seven rebounds and six assists while shooting 10 of 24 from the field.
The six-time All-Star had been lobbying to play in recent days.
Griffin participated in pregame warmups prior to Game 3 before being cleared. Coach Dwane Casey said in his pregame media availability session that how Griffin fared in the warmups would determine whether or not he played.
Detroit struggled against the Bucks in the regular season -- losing all four meetings -- despite Griffin playing in all four games and averaging 24.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists.
Game 4 is Monday in Detroit.
--Field Level Media
