Pistons fall to Grizzlies as Cade Cunningham returns from injury

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Apr 5, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

DETROIT — After missing the last six games because of a calf injury, Cade Cunningham returned to the lineup for the Detroit Pistons, who began a four-game homestand against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

The All-Star point guard led Detroit with 25 points (9 of 24 field goals, 2 of 6 3-pointers), eight rebounds and three assists. However, Cunningham's performance wasn't enough to prevent Detroit from sustaining a 109-103 loss at Little Caesars Arena.

Cunningham wasn’t the only Piston who made a triumphant return. Isaiah Stewart ended his two-game suspension as a result of Sunday’s dust-up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He added 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Stewart started in place of Jalen Duren, who missed the game because of a right peroneal contusion.

Grizzlies All-Star point guard Ja Morant was a late scratch because of food poisoning. Desmond Bane took on the responsibility of carrying the Grizzlies’ scoring load, finishing with 38 points on 15-of-23 shooting, 4 of 7 from behind the arc. He began the game by shooting 7 of 7 from the field, which contributed to the Grizzlies holding a 36-26 advantage midway through the second period.

Bane's performance allowed the Grizzlies to take a 93-88 lead with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley connected on back-to-back 3-pointers to bring the Pistons within 93-91 with four minutes left. Although the Pistons stayed within striking distance, they did not have enough momentum to complete a comeback.

Former Michigan State prospect Jaren Jackson Jr. registered 27 points and 11 rebounds. Rookie big man Zach Edey recorded 21 rebounds in 25 minutes for Memphis.

Up next

The Pistons will continue their four-game homestand on Monday night, facing off against the Sacramento Kings. They will host the New York Knicks on Thursday. Tip-off between the Kings and Pistons at Little Caesars Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

____