The Memphis Grizzlies secured their fourth consecutive victory, defeating the Detroit Pistons 131-111 on Wednesday night. Marcus Smart delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-high 25 points while hitting 7-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Smart’s scoring outburst was supported by Jake LaRavia and Scotty Pippen Jr., who each contributed 19 points. Pippen also added seven rebounds, shooting an efficient 9-of-12 from the field, while LaRavia connected on 8-of-9 attempts.
The Grizzlies’ bench was dominant, adding 72 points to the scoreboard.
The Pistons struggled to keep pace despite a 22-point effort from Marcus Sasser and 18 points from Simone Fontecchio. Jaden Ivey added 17 points but committed seven turnovers.
Detroit was without key players Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris, whose combined absence left a significant void in the offense.
Memphis built its lead with a commanding second quarter, outscoring Detroit 37-18. The Grizzlies shot 59% in the period compared to the Pistons’ 36%, fueled by a 31-7 scoring run.
Memphis maintained its dominance in the paint, scoring 60 points in that area, consistent with its league-leading average.
The Grizzlies overcame a slow start from the three-point line, missing their first nine attempts. They found their rhythm later, connecting on 14 of their next 29 three-pointers. Smart’s hot hand led the way, while Jay Huff added 13 points off the bench, including two critical three-pointers.
Detroit’s Malik Beasley, who had a streak of 10 games with at least three made threes, was limited to just two from deep. The Pistons also faced challenges from Memphis’ defense, which recorded 13 steals and forced 18 turnovers.
Ja Morant was unavailable for the Grizzlies due to a left knee contusion, while Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane contributed a combined 38 points in his absence. Clarke’s efficient 6-of-7 shooting and Jackson’s defensive presence helped Memphis control the game.
For Detroit, second-year forward Ausar Thompson made his second start of the season, filling in for Harris. Thompson managed only three points but contributed defensively with a block and a steal. Despite his efforts, the Pistons couldn’t match Memphis’ depth and efficiency.
Memphis now boasts a 12-7 record, while Detroit fell to 8-12. The Grizzlies’ next game will test their streak against a Western Conference contender, while the Pistons will aim to bounce back against an Eastern rival.
