Cade Cunningham teaches nonchalant Ja Morant a lesson

We were waiting for a I Morant revolted by his return to the courts after the suspension game after his media attack on his coach Tuomas Iisal. But it only took a few minutes to see the nonchalant and uninspired Self return to the field. His unremarkable performance, certainly a double-double (18 points, 10 assists), contrasted with the aggressiveness, regularity and efficiency of Cade Cunningham, the game’s MVP with 33 points on 12/20 shooting (including 3/6 on 3-pointers) and 8 assists. The Pistons’ leader was impeccable in timing to break free from the Grizzlies’ pressure and lead his team to victory, 114-106.

Dominating the first quarter (25-32), Jay-Bickerstaff’s players were able to play almost as they wanted against a Memphis team that was still reacting, far from the aggressive profile that could be expected in the current context, for a home match. After the break (48-58), we believed in the beginning of the rebellion when Jaren Jackson Jr. made two 3-point baskets in a row, and Joc Landale dunked on Ja Morant’s serve (56-60).

Memphis yo-yos

And then the light went out again. Isaiah Stewart pulled out all the stops as he connected a tap, dunk, serve for a three-pointer by Duncan Robinson, then a three-pointer to make it 12-0! The deficit thus increased to +21 for Detroit (62-83) who then held on to leave with the victory, even if it was necessary to fight. The arrows of Cam Spencer, Cedric Coward and Jaren Jackson Jr. had the merit of returning the momentum to the home team at the end of the third quarter (74-83).

The same trio of Spencer-Coward-JJJ put pressure back on Detroit until a good defensive sequence allowed Ja Morant to (finally) put on a show after a lobbed pass from Vince Williams Jr (94-101). In the process, Cedric Coward’s new triple and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 2+1 miraculously brought Memphis back within one possession (100-103). Then we say that the hold is not far, but Detroit reacted very well, giving the ball to Cade Cunningham.

Like a metronome, the Pistons playmaker finished strong, stringing together two shots, a layup and a mid-range basket over Ja Morant’s head to close out the game (103-109). As a bonus, he made the final three-pointer before seeing Isaiah Stewart score the final two points of the match to set a new personal best with 26 points (106-114). It’s a perfect night for Detroit. The same cannot be said for the Grizzlies!

WHAT TO REMEMBER

The disastrous return of Ja Morant. No skill (5/16 shooting including 0/4 from 3-pointers), five turnovers, including a pass that went into the stands and Auzar Thompson’s layup with a minute left at 103-109… We were expecting an overexcited Ja Morant, but unfortunately a bad version of this tied Grizzlies played out. Uninspired, often complaining about the referees, not really involved in the defense… This does not bode well for the future, even if one must remember that Memphis is very handicapped in the back positions due to injuries to Scottie Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome.

Contrast with Cade Cunningham. Although he is younger than Ja Morant, he showed experience and acted as a leader to lead his team to victory. Tough and honest from start to finish, Cade Cunningham didn’t flinch when Memphis turned up the pressure on the money-time by showing his full range in response, on the layup, near the circle, mid-range, then the 3-pointer.

Isaiah Stewart and the fashion record. He outclassed his opponents both in terms of intensity and efficiency. It’s not really a surprise when we know the profile of the interior of the Pistons, who nevertheless celebrated posting a new career high with 26 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. A valuable pass in the third quarter and a final offensive rebound that allowed him to score a personal best with 28 seconds left.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.