The Memphis Grizzlies (22-19) defeated the Detroit Pistons (21-18) 103-101, at FedEx Forum on Thursday night.
A wild fourth quarter made for an exciting finish in Memphis. The Grizzlies headed into the fourth up by eight and even extended that lead to as many as 13 but Detroit did not flinch and quickly rallied back to take the lead, with seven minutes to go. The Pistons got up by as many as eight in the fourth but found themselves up 101-96 with three minutes left. From there until the end of the game Mario Chalmers was the only player to record any points, as he scored seven straight to get the win. First a lay up, then he got fouled on a three and hit all the free throws, tying the game at 101. Then after a steal by Matt Barnes with seven seconds left, Chalmers managed to sink a contested jumper, on which he also got fouled. At that point Memphis was up 103-101 with .8 seconds on the clock and Chalmers at the line. Mario missed the free throw on purpose, in order to allow the clock to expire, improving the Grizzlies home record to 14-7.
Matt Barnes was back in the line up after missing one game with a thumb contusion. Barnes' 18 points (6-7 FG, 6-6 3Pt), including sizzling 6-6 shooting from long range, three rebounds and two steals played an integral role in Memphis grinding out this victory. Mario Chalmers led all scorers, with 25 points (9-15 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), along with eight assists, four steals and three rebounds, in 41 minutes. Chalmers started in place of Mike Conley, who missed his fifth game with a sore left achilles. Marc Gasol struggled shooting but still finished the game with 19 points (8-20 FG), five rebounds and four assists, in 37 minutes.
Detroit had six players score in double digits. Stanley Johnson led the Pistons in scoring with 19 points (7-14 FG, 5-9 3Pt), along with five rebounds and two steals, in 25 minutes off the bench. Ersan Ilyasova had 17 points (6-13 FG, 3-5 3Pt), nine rebounds and two assists, in 26 minutes, while Andre Drummond finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds, in 33 minutes. As a team the Pistons gave up 20 turnovers. The Pistons have now lost two in a row and will need to shape up quick before they fall out of the top eight in the East.
The Pistons will be heading home to host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Another loss would put Detroit's position in the top eight in jeopardy.
The Grizzlies will host the Knicks on Saturday.
