Detroit 76, L.A. Clippers 66

LAS VEGAS, July 13 – Arron Afflalo scored 13 of his game-high 25 points in a decisive third quarter that helped the Detroit Pistons earn a 76-66 win over the Los Angeles Clippers Sunday in the Day 3 finale of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

Afflalo scored 19 in the second half after the Pistons built a nine-point lead in the opening half against the Eric Gordon-less Clippers.

“I’ve always said that when Arron (Afflalo) plays consistent minutes, he shoots the ball consistently,” said Detroit coach Michael Curry. “You’re always glad to see everyone play well, but especially Aaron because of how much time he puts in to improve his game. He’s going to be our backup two-guard this season, so we expect him to come in and play consistent minutes each night and he’ll be a good contributor for us.”

Detroit used a 14-4 run to lead by as many as 14 points in the second quarter, but the Clippers crept back into the game to finish the half only down nine at 35-26.

Behind Afflalo, the Pistons extended their lead to 20 in the third quarter.

A pair of Brandon Heath 3-pointers in the fourth quarter helped the Clippers cut their deficit to six, but they would get no closer the rest of the way.

DeAndrew Jordan posted a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers.

The Clippers will take on Memphis in the final game on Wednesday night, while Detroit plays in the first game on Tuesday afternoon against Milwaukee.