The Grizzlies kicked off a quick three-game road trip Thursday night with a 132-107 win over the Detroit Pistons. This also makes the fourth consecutive victory for Memphis, and the third consecutive game won by 20 points or more.
Let’s get into it.
The Grizzlies opened the game with a 41-point first quarter while holding the Pistons to just 19 points. While the Pistons never managed to catch up with the Grizzlies, watching the game it felt a lot closer throughout. Detroit is not a good team this season by any metric. But they are scrappy, and they have some promising young players to build around.
The Pistons also have the distinction of being the team that passed on Desmond Bane two different times in the 2020 NBA Draft before he was drafted at number 30 by the Grizzlies. If you thought that might be motivation for Bane to play extra hard in Detroit, you would be correct.
By the Numbers:
Props to the whole team for a double-digit win, and outrebounding the Pistons by 20. The Grizzlies had more offensive rebounds (42) than the Pistons had overall (40).
In news that will surprise absolutely no one, Ja Morant led all scorers with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Desmond Bane followed closely behind with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and two assists, including 3 of 4 from the three-point line, and of course, there are highlights.
Fun Fact: Desmond Bane was recently selected to participate in the 3-point shooting contest during the upcoming 2021 NBA All-star weekend.
Steven Adams closed out with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Another Fun Fact: Adams is currently the league leader in offensive rebounds.
As for the bench mob, De’Anthony Melton and Brandon Clarke finished with 14 points apiece off the bench.
Kyle Anderson put a 13-point and 11 rebound double-double off the bench as well.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies will head to Charlotte to face off against the Hornets on Saturday night. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. CST.
