The Detroit Pistons defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 111-97, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday night.

The Grizzlies (33-33) were clearly the team with a higher degree of motivation coming into the contest, considering their spot within the Western Conference play-in level. However, it was the non-contending Pistons (20-47) that played like a team with a playoff spot to lock down, nearly matching the visitors bucket for bucket during a first quarter they emerged from with a one-point deficit and then building a nine-point lead by halftime with an impressive second quarter during which they held Memphis to 17 points. Detroit still held an eight-point edge going into the final period, and they ensured victory by turning back several rallies and then concluding on a 12-3 run over the final 2:43.

Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 20 points, adding five assists, three rebounds and one block. Jonas Valanciunas finished with a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Jaren Jackson supplied 17 points, five rebounds and four steals. Jon Konchar netted 11 points and five rebounds, while Brandon Clarke registered 10 points, six boards, one assist and two blocks.

Cory Joseph and Wayne Ellington co-led the Pistons with 18 points, with Joseph also dishing out 11 assists and three steals. Isaiah Stewart posted 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Seko Doumbouya managed 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey and Jahlil Okafor posted matching 13-point, five-rebound tallies, while Frank Jackson poured in 11 points.

The Grizzlies visit the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Pistons also hit the road and tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.