With a slew of turnovers and fouls, it’s hard to even win in a high school basketball game.
The Pistons played a forgettable preseason game, and their mistakes cost them in a 127-92 blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at FedExForum.
The first half was full of fouls and turnovers and the Grizzlies turned a seven-point lead after the first quarter to a 24-point bulge at halftime and cruised the rest of the way.
Jerami Grant had 13 points, Frank Jackson 12 points, Josh Jackson 11 points, six rebounds and four assists and Cory Joseph 10 points for the Pistons (1-1), who next face the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
“There was a lot of frustrating stuff today, you pick any one of them,” Joseph said. “The offensive rebounds they got, the turnovers that we had, and just the lack of just making them feel us on the defensive end.”
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies (3-1) with 24 points and five assists and Jaren Jackson Jr. 20 points and eight rebounds, leading six players in double figures.
Coach Dwane Casey lamented the Pistons’ effort, being outrebounded, 54-37, and just being outhustled on both ends of the floor.
“We have to stand for hustle and grit,” Casey said. “I don’t care about missing shots, but you’ve got to compete.”
The Pistons led, 10-8, at the 9:01 mark of the first quarter, but the Grizzlies answered with a 10-0 run, including a pair of 3-pointers from Desmond Bane and Morant. For the rest of the period, the Pistons chipped away at the lead, but a decisive 19-9 spurt to start the second quarter put the game away, with Morant scoring on back-to-back dunks and Jackson adding a 3-pointer.
The Grizzlies finished the first half on an 11-3 run, and the rout was on.
Here are some observations from the Pistons’ loss:
► Kelly’s O: Since he was signed in free agency, Kelly Olynyk was pictured as a perimeter center who could also be a playmaker. In the first two preseason games, Olynyk has shown that versatility, with his driving ability as well as his 3-point shooting.
Olynyk came off the bench early in the first quarter after Isaiah Stewart got into early foul trouble. The veteran center brought some rebounding strength when the Pistons needed it and also helped create some good shot opportunities, including a nice wraparound pass to Josh Jackson for an easy basket.
He’s a valuable part of the veteran second unit, but Olynyk played extended time with the starters because Stewart was out for most of the first half, including getting his third foul.
► Sloppy play: The Pistons hardly could get anything going in the first half because of turnovers and fouls. Those created a stagnated pace of play, with the Pistons having to chase the Grizzlies around on defense and Memphis getting too many easy baskets. The Pistons’ 14 first-half turnovers and nine fouls in the first eight minutes were suboptimal, but the Grizzlies forced some of those turnovers with their trapping defense.
Casey has made it priority to have certain players handle the ball and initiate offense, but with the defensive traps, the turnovers are increasing, which led to the lopsided second quarter.
“It wasn’t just one person; it was the entire team,” Casey said. “When we take care of the ball, good things happen.”
Stewart had three fouls in the first half and Killian Hayes had two, forcing the Pistons to go to the bench early and play some disjointed lineups throughout the game.
► Jackson starting five: Frank Jackson, making his preseason debut, moved into the starting lineup at shooting guard, in the spot that Cade Cunningham would play. Cunningham continues to be sidelined by a sprained ankle, and Jackson had an impressive showing in the open practice on Saturday. Rodney McGruder started in the preseason opener and was questionable for Monday’s game because of a hip strain. Jackson was good in getting to the free-throw line. He struggled to get going from the field in the first half, but hit a couple of 3-pointers in the third quarter to get on track.
► Another injury: Saddiq Bey played only 14 minutes in the first half and didn’t start the second half, because of a left ankle injury.
“We’ll see how it is and see how he bounces back,” Casey said.
It’s another addition to the laundry list of injuries the Pistons have endured so far in the preseason, including ankle issues for Cunningham and Killian Hayes, in addition to Frank Jackson. The Pistons haven’t been at full strength yet, and although it’s unclear how severe Bey’s injury is, another injury isn’t what the Pistons need at all.
The Pistons have some good depth on the wings, but with multiple starters suffering injuries, they may have to break up their second unit to complement the starting group.
► Bright spots: Cory Joseph had another strong game and was the most consistent player, especially on the offensive end. Joseph looks to be one of the strengths of the team, as a leader of the reserve group, but also a player who can create shots for others and settle things down when the offense gets out of rhythm. Hayes was playing in his first game and he’ll improve as the preseason goes, but Joseph has provided a veteran presence to help guide Hayes.
Josh Jackson started the second half in place of Bey and he finished with 11 points and six rebounds and again played under control and within the offense. If he continues to play like he’s done in the first two preseason games, he’ll earn more minutes in the wing spots.
Rod.Beard@detroitnews.com
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