Trey Jemison had 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Maozinha Pereira also contributed 17 points as the Memphis Grizzlies secured a 108-90 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.
Scotty Pippen Jr. added 16 points and provided seven assists, with GG Jackson and Lamar Stevens chipping in 15 points each. Seven of the eight Grizzlies who played managed to reach double figures, marking Memphis’s first three-game winning streak since late January.
Coach Taylor Jenkins praised the team’s effort, especially considering the challenges of dealing with injuries and absences throughout the season. Pippen highlighted the opportunity for other players to step up when key players are out, emphasizing the need for a collective effort.
The Grizzlies had several players unavailable due to various ailments, while the Pistons were missing seven players due to injuries, including their leading scorer, Cade Cunningham.
Pereira, who is on his second 10-day contract with the Grizzlies, showcased his ability to adapt to the team’s system, earning praise from Jenkins for his hard work both on and off the court.
Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 31 points, supported by Jalen Duren’s 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking his 42nd double-double of the season. Despite Jaylen Nowell’s 12 points, the Pistons suffered their third consecutive loss and 11th defeat in their last 12 games.
Malachi Flynn, who scored 50 points off the bench against Atlanta earlier in the week, was limited to just three points for the Pistons, missing all 12 of his shots in the game. Pippen credited the team’s defense and scheme for limiting Flynn’s impact on the game.
The Pistons struggled with their shooting, managing only 41% from the field, and committed 18 turnovers, including seven from their starting backcourt of Ivey and Marcus Sasser.
Despite Ivey’s strong start with 15 points in the first quarter, Memphis steadily built a double-digit lead, extending it to 22 points by halftime. The Grizzlies maintained their advantage throughout the game, with Detroit unable to mount a significant comeback.
Ivey acknowledged Detroit’s struggle to find rhythm after the early lead, resulting in a lack of competitiveness contributed to their defeat.
