Marcus Smart shines with 25 points as Grizzlies defeat Pistons

In a decisive matchup held in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 27, 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Detroit Pistons. This game saw Marcus Smart lead the Grizzlies to a 131-111 victory over the Pistons, scoring a season-high 25 points. Smart was particularly effective, making 8 of 12 shots from the field and showcasing his three-point shooting skills by sinking 7 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. The success of the Grizzlies was further bolstered by contributions from Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jake LaRavia, both of whom finished the game with 19 points each. Pippen added seven rebounds, demonstrating his all-around game, while LaRavia missed only one of his nine shots throughout the contest. The game was marked by the absence of key players for both teams. For the Pistons, star guard Cade Cunningham missed his third consecutive game due to a sacroiliac joint sprain, and Tobias Harris was also sidelined, robbing the team of over 37 points of offensive output. Second-year player Ausar Thompson took the starting role in Harris’s place, returning to play after dealing with a serious health issue. In contrast, the Grizzlies were also missing Ja Morant, who had just returned from an eight-game absence but was unable to play due to a left knee contusion. This played a crucial role in the flow and dynamic of the game. One of the pivotal moments came during the second quarter when the Grizzlies outscored the Pistons dramatically, 37-18, including a phenomenal 31-7 run, which effectively sealed the game in their favor. Memphis capitalized on this momentum to build a substantial lead. By halftime, the Grizzlies had shot an impressive 59% overall from the field, which far exceeded the Pistons' 36%. The offensive display by Memphis was significant, as they were leading the league in points scored in the paint and managed to tally up 60 points in that area during this game. Furthermore, their bench was productive, contributing 72 points to the overall score, showcasing the depth of their squad. Despite a slow start in the three-point department, the Grizzlies turned it around by making 14 of their next 29 attempts after missing their first nine shots from beyond the arc. This turnaround helped them expand their lead to 104-77 entering the fourth quarter. The Pistons faced challenges, with Malik Beasley’s streak of making at least three 3-pointers in ten consecutive games coming to an end, as he completed the game with only 2 of 4 from three-point range. The Pistons are set to face the Indiana Pacers next, while the Grizzlies will host the New Orleans Pelicans, as both teams look to maintain their momentum in the season.