Pistons hold off Jazz to win home opener, improve to 2-0

DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons overcame a late deficit Wednesday night to knock off the Utah Jazz and win the home opener, 92-87. Detroit improved to 2-0 for the first time since the 2008-2009 season, when it last played in the NBA playoffs.

Gordon Hayward made a tough layup with 23 seconds left in the game to cap off a 7-0 run and give the Jazz an 87-86 lead.

But after a Stan Van Gundy timeout, Reggie Jackson quickly put the Pistons back in front with a layup of his own. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope did the rest, picking up a big rebound on the following defensive possession, knocking down a pair of free throws and blocking a three-point jumper to seal the victory.

Caldwell-Pope finished the game with 16 points. Jackson led the Pistons with 19 points on 50 percent shooting and added four assists.

Andre Drummond picked up a second straight double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Detroit overcame Utah's 46.7 percent shooting with seven three pointers and 25 made free throws, including eight of 11 from the stripe by Drummond.

Marcus Morris, 14 points, and Stanley Johnson, 11 points, were the only other Pistons in double figures. Steve Blake was excellent in 17 minutes off the bench, dishing out seven assists.

Derrick Favors lit it up for the Jazz, scoring 26 points on 10 of 15 shooting. Alec Burks scored 18 off the bench.

Former University of Michigan point guard had just an assists and a rebound in 16 minutes.

Detroit will take a night off Thursday before hosting another 2-0 team, the Chicago Bulls, Friday. The Bulls knocked off the defending Eastern Conference Champion Cavaliers Tuesday and picked up a road win over the Nets Wednesday.