AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Greg Monroe led the way with 24 points and 16 rebounds Wednesday, sending Detroit to a 113-102 decision over Washington in their season opener.
The Pistons led by a dozen at halftime, saw their advantage cut to four in the final quarter and then pulled away as they opened their bid to return to the playoffs. Detroit managed only 29 wins last season, the same number posted by the Wizards.
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Detroit shot 50 percent, made 26-of-33 free throws and survived 18 turnovers.
Josh Smith and Will Bynum both scored 19 points for the Pistons and Chauncey Billups added 16 in a balanced attack.
Washington got 28 points and 10 rebounds from Trevor Ariza.
