Sports

Smith's 3-pointer at buzzer gives Pistons 99-98 victory over Wolves

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Detroit Pistons forward Josh Smith (6) questions a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half of their preseason NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich., Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9), of Spain, drives against Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) in the first half of their preseason NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich., Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

Josh Smith made a 3-pointer as time expired and finished with 20 points to lift the Detroit Pistons to a 99-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night in both teams' exhibition finale.

J.J. Barea's layup with 3.6 seconds left gave the Timberwolves (4-3) a 98-96 lead but Smith, who got the ball out of a timeout, launched his shot in the final second. It hit the rim and fell in as the horn sounded.

Greg Monroe and Will Bynum each added 17 points, rookie Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13 and Andre Drummond grabbed 20 rebounds for the Pistons (4-4).

Kevin Love had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Kevin Martin added 18 points for Minnesota on a night both coaches gave their younger players plenty of playing time.