Harris-led Pistons edge Hornets in return downtown

DETROIT — Tobias Harris scored 17 of his 27 points in the first quarter, helping the Detroit Pistons celebrate their return downtown with a 102-90 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night (Thursday Manila time).

The Pistons and Hornets opened the season in Little Caesars Arena, a new facility that brought them back to the city for the first time in nearly four decades. Eminem made a surprise appearance, grabbing the microphone to fire up the crowd just before tipoff. Kid Rock, another Motor City musical artist, sat in a baseline seat near Detroit's bench.

Dwight Howard had 10 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks in his debut with the Hornets. Charlotte's Kemba Walker scored 24 points, and Jeremy Lamb had 15.

Reserve Langston Galloway scored 16 points, Avery Bradley had 15, and Henry Ellenson added 13 points for Detroit. Reggie Jackson had 13 points and eight assists. The point guard spent the final seconds of the game hugging teammate Andre Drummond at midcourt, soaking up the feel-good moment after a disappointing season.

The Pistons outscored Charlotte 27-18 in the second quarter, building an 11-point lead they didn't have much trouble keeping.