The Detroit Pistons stunned the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, riding a late-game scoring explosion from Cade Cunningham to secure a 114-106 victory in a tense road battle. The win marks a statement for Detroit, who now improve to 5-2 on the season, while Memphis slips to 3-5 in a game that exposed both teams’ strengths and vulnerabilities.
Cunningham Takes Over in Crunch Time
With the Grizzlies clawing back and threatening to erase Detroit’s double-digit lead,
Cade Cunningham delivered a masterclass in clutch basketball. The Pistons’ star guard poured in 19 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, including a personal nine-point run that halted Memphis’ momentum and sealed the win for Detroit.
Cunningham’s performance wasn’t just about scoring—he added 8 assists and 5 rebounds, orchestrating the offense and keeping the Pistons composed as the Grizzlies made their push.
“He just took over when we needed him most,” said Pistons coach Monty Williams postgame, highlighting Cunningham’s poise under pressure.
Pistons Dominate the Paint, Stewart Shines
Detroit’s victory was built on more than just perimeter play.
Isaiah Stewart delivered a monster night with 26 points and 14 rebounds, bullying the Grizzlies inside and helping the Pistons rack up a staggering 58 points in the paint compared to Memphis’ 30. Jalen Duren and rookie Ron Holland II chipped in 14 points apiece, giving Detroit a balanced attack that kept Memphis’ defense guessing.
The Pistons’ interior dominance was evident early, as they shot over
50% for the first three quarters and built a 58-48 halftime lead. A 21-4 run in the third quarter stretched the advantage to 81-60, putting Memphis on the ropes before the Grizzlies mounted their late rally.
Grizzlies’ Comeback Falls Short
Memphis, led by
Jaren Jackson Jr. (21 points) and
Ja Morant (18 points, 10 assists), struggled to find offensive rhythm for much of the night. Morant, returning from a one-game suspension for team-related conduct, showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t overcome the Pistons’ active defense and his team’s
33% first-half shooting.
The Grizzlies did make things interesting in the fourth, trimming the deficit to just three points with 3:09 left. But Cunningham’s takeover dashed any hopes of a comeback, leaving Memphis searching for answers as they prepare to host Houston next.
What This Means for Both Teams
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Detroit Pistons: The win cements Detroit’s status as an early-season surprise, with Cunningham emerging as a bona fide closer and Stewart anchoring the paint. The Pistons’ chemistry and defensive intensity are turning heads across the league.
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Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies’ inconsistency and offensive struggles are cause for concern. With Morant back in the lineup, Memphis needs to find better flow and reduce turnovers if they hope to climb back into the Western Conference race.
Looking Ahead
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Pistons: Host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, aiming to build on their momentum.
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Grizzlies: Face the Houston Rockets at home, hoping to regroup and snap their skid.
Detroit’s gritty win in Memphis is a reminder that this young Pistons squad is no longer an easy out—and with Cunningham leading the charge, they might just be the NBA’s next big story.
Sources
1. Detroit Pistons hold off Memphis Grizzlies to win 114-106 - CBS News
2. Daniss Jenkins signs new two-way deal with the Detroit Pistons
3. PISTONS at GRIZZLIES | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS - YouTube
4. Detroit Pistons announce Summer League roster
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7. Memphis Grizzlies Highlights vs. Detroit Pistons - YouTube
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9. Covers.com - Sports Betting Odds, Lines, Picks & News 2025
