Pistons singing the blues after 130-117 loss in Memphis
Despite setting a franchise record for 3-pointers made in a single game, the Detroit Pistons fell to the Memphis Grizzlies 130-117 on Sunday. The loss clinches a losing record for the Pistons this season. The Grizzlies, who led by as many as 20, posted a season-high 130 points.
A record-setting day couldn’t save the Detroit Pistons (38-42).
Twenty-three 3-pointers proved to be futile, as the Memphis Grizzlies (22-58) beat the Pistons 130-117 on Sunday afternoon at the FedEx Forum. MarShon Brooks led all scorers with 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
Anthony Tolliver tallied 19 points and four rebounds to lead the Pistons. Detroit will finish below .500 for the eighth time in the last nine seasons.
The Pistons couldn’t contain the Grizzlies’ half-court offense from the get-go. Memphis made four of its first five field goal attempts. Shooting guard Ben McLemore also began with a bang, scoring 11 points on 4-for-4 shooting less than five minutes into the game.
The Grizzlies shot 55 percent in the opening period, and finished the quarter on a 9-2 run. An Ivan Rabb put-back layup with 7:24 to play in the second gave Memphis their largest lead at 49-29.
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But the Pistons answered with a run of their own. They outscored Memphis 30-16 in the final seven minutes of the half. Luke Kennard and Tolliver each led Detroit with 10 points apiece at the break.
Twelve first-half triples pulled the Pistons to within six, 62-56, entering the third quarter. However, they started the second half shooting 1-for-9 from the floor. Many of these came off of low-percentage looks and off-balanced shots.
Andre Drummond jacked up an open triple and missed the rim entirely. It was that kind of day.
Ironically, the Pistons’ 3-point shooting was what kept the game within reach. Henry Ellenson made four of his six 3-point attempts, mainly off of catch-and-shoot situations. The second-year forward finished with 17 points off the bench.
But it was their defense that cost the Pistons. They allowed 34 points in both the third and fourth quarters, negating their historic night from beyond the arc. You can only exchange buckets with an opponent for so long. Detroit couldn’t get a stop when it needed to.
The Pistons will look to bounce back quickly. They’ll host the Toronto Raptors tomorrow in the final game at Little Caesars Arena this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit.