Desmond Bane scores 38 in the Grizzlies' 109-103 victory over the Pistons

Desmond Bane scores 38 in the Grizzlies’ 109-103 victory over the Pistons

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) is congratulated by center Jay Huff, left, after scoring against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

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Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser, right, drives as he is grabbed at by Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

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Detroit Pistons forward Simone Fontecchio, right, shoots over Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

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Detroit Pistons forward Ron Holland II, right, reacts as Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

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Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed, left, reacts as guard Cade Cunningham looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

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Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart, right, tries to dribble past Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

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Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, left, argues a call with referee Jacyn Goble, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

By DAVE HOGG

DETROIT (AP) — Desmond Bane scored 38 points, Zach Edey had a career-high 21 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies held off the Detroit Pistons 109-103 on Saturday night.

Ja Morant was a late scratch for the Grizzlies, who had lost seven of nine, because of an illness. Jaren Jackson had 27 points and 11 rebounds.

Cade Cunningham, returning after missing six games with a calf strain, had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Pistons, who have lost three of four. Ausar Thompson added 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Detroit trailed 91-85 when center Isaiah Stewart sat with five fouls. With Detroit’s usual starter, Jalen Duren, missing the game with an injury, the Pistons were forced to use 6-foot-6 Thompson against the 7-3 3/4 Edey.

The Pistons were as close as 93-91 with four minutes left, but struggled to stop the Grizzlies around the rim. Bane hit a 3-pointer to make it 104-98 with 56 seconds left and Memphis wrapped it up at free-throw line.

Takeaways

Grizzlies: Memphis has beaten the Pistons nine straight times. Detroit’s last win came on May 6, 2021.

Pistons: Duren missed the game with a contusion of the peroneal nerve in his right leg.

Not PARSE.LY: Detroit Pistons

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells, right, and guard Desmond Bane (22) congratulate each other near the end of the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

Grizzlies hold off Pistons 109-103

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) drives past Toronto Raptors center Orlando Robinson (21) during second-half NBA basketball game action in Toronto, Friday, April 4, 2025. (Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press via AP)

Pistons complete historic turnaround from 14-win season by securing playoff berth

Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) shoots between Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and Jonathan Mogbo (2) during first-half NBA basketball game action in Toronto, Friday, April 4, 2025. (Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press via AP)

Pistons wrap up their first playoff spot since 2018-19 with 117-105 victory over the Raptors

Key moment

Detroit was within two with 3:56 left, but Thompson fouled Santi Aldama on a 3-point attempt, then could only split a pair of free throws at the other end.

Key stat

Memphis struggled from the field in the first half, shooting 36.7% (18-49) and making just four of 18 3-point attempts (22.2%), but only trailed by one point at the intermission by grabbing 11 of 30 (36.7%) offensive-rebound opportunities. The Grizzlies finished the half with a 10-2 advantage in second-chance points.

Up nex

t

Memphis is at Charlotte on Tuesday night. The Pistons host Sacramento on Monday night.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba