Watch CBS News

Pistons Snap Skid

Wayne Ellington and Cory Joseph scored 18 points apiece to help the Detroit Pistons snap a four-game losing streak with a 111-97 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night.

Detroit Pistons v New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Wayne Ellington #8 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on February 24, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Grizzlies dropped a half-game behind Golden State for eighth place in the Western Conference, failing to take advantage of the matchup against a Detroit team with more than a few absences.

The Pistons still have the second-worst record in the NBA, but they're just a half-game behind Minnesota, and Oklahoma City, Orlando and Cleveland aren't far ahead of Detroit.

"We needed it. We were teetering, our guys kind of hanging our head, losing confidence," Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. "We needed that to continue our confidence, to have continuation in building our culture."

Detroit Pistons v Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons watches play against the Washington Wizards during the second half of a preseason game at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Grizzlies, playing a night after a 139-135 win over Minnesota, scored just 17 points in the second quarter and 21 in the third. They trailed Detroit by eight entering the fourth, and although they cut the lead to two at one point, the Pistons responded with a 10-3 run to make it 99-90.

"I thought we had great urgency early in the game, and we just weren't able to sustain it for 48 minutes," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.

Ja Morant led Memphis with 20 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 19 points and 16 rebounds.

Memphis Grizzlies v Denver Nuggets
DENVER, CO - APRIL 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Ball Arena on April 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)

"Second night of a back-to-back, but that's no excuse," said Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 17 points for the Grizzlies. "We've just got to be ready all the time."

Detroit had seven players in double figures, including all five starters. Isaiah Stewart scored 15 points and Sekou Doumbouya added 14.

TIP-INS

Grizzlies: Desmond Bane, who scored 22 points off the bench against the Timberwolves, was in the starting lineup Thursday but scored just two points on 1-of-5 shooting. ... Grayson Allen (left abdominal soreness), Sean McDermott (left foot soreness) and Xavier Tillman (illness) were out.

Pistons: Detroit was without Hamidou Diallo (personal reasons), Jerami Grant (right knee soreness), Killian Hayes (illness), Josh Jackson (oral surgery), Rodney McGruder (right elbow sprain), Mason Plumlee (rest) and Dennis Smith Jr. (left knee soreness). ... The Pistons shot 53% from the field and finished with 62 points in the paint.

UP NEXT

Grizzlies: Face Toronto on Saturday night in Tampa, Florida. The Raptors won the teams' previous matchup this season 128-113 on Feb. 8.

Pistons: Visit Philadelphia on Saturday night. The teams split their previous two games this season.

 

© 2021 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.