Jackson, Jr. Drops 40 and Pistons Miss Buzzer-Beater Attempt in 110-108 Loss to Memphis

The Detroit Pistons blew a 15-point second-half lead and allowed Michigan State alum Jaren Jackson, Jr. a 40-point night, as they lost their 62nd game of the season – this time a 110-108 loss to the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. Cade Cunningham, after a brilliant game where he scored 36 points, missed a 15-foot contested fadeaway jumper as the buzzer sounded, and the Grizz – without their two leading scorers in Ja Morant and Desmond Bane – celebrated their 25th win of the season. “I wasn’t displeased with the defense because I felt like (Jackson, Jr.) did a good job creating contact. The way the game is called now, it’s really hard to just wall up on a guy that’s that big and just running it through your chest,” said Pistons Head Coach Monty Williams. “We could’ve made a few adjustments to go get him, but the few times we did, we either fouled him or he found (cutters) on the backside. “Cade made the right plays, and down the stretch I told him ‘You’re going to win us a playoff game in that situation.’ I was OK with those looks. Our offense in the first and the beginning of the...