The Grizzlies trailed by 13 at the half against the Pistons, the worst team in the NBA, on Monday night in Detroit.

Memphis isn't playing for much at this point — it hasn't been a realistic playoff contender this calendar year. But the Grizzlies fought on this night, battling back and using a dominant third quarter to earn a 110-108 win over the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey combined for 35 first-half points to help Detroit grab the lead. They were less effective in the second half as the Grizzlies took over. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 40 points, and Luke Kennard, who had 19, had the Grizzlies bench going crazy when he hit a step-back jumper to force a Pistons timeout in the final quarter.

Here are our takeaways from the game.

Jaren Jackson Jr. powers Memphis

Jackson has been the one constant for the Grizzlies this season — Monday was his 65th game of the season, meaning he has missed only 10 games. With Ja Morant out for all but nine games and Desmond Bane unavailable for significant time, Jackson has been the top offensive option most nights.

He has increased his scoring this season, averaging 22 points per game. He had 40 against the Pistons and added seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.

Jackson hitting the 65-game threshold means he's now eligible for postseason honors. He could make the All-Defensive team after winning NBA Defensive Player of the Year a season ago.

Grizzlies get reacquainted with an old friend

Tosan Evbuomwan was with the Grizzlies on a 10-day contract earlier this season. That's not exactly a rare feat, considering they have used more players this season than any other in team history. And that has included plenty of 10-day players.

But Evbuomwan signed a two-way deal with Detroit after leaving Memphis, and he was in the starting lineup Monday night. He had 10 points and five rebounds.

Brandon Clarke continues encouraging return from injury

Clarke has played only three games this year after he tore his Achilles tendon last season. His return was one of the major milestones during the back half of the season, when the Grizzlies have been playing for draft lottery position and have lost far more than they've won.

And it's not just that Clarke has re-entered the equation — he also has played well. He had 15 points and seven rebounds against the Pistons, the best of his three games. His return and progression will continue to be a storyline in the final seven games.

Up next

The Grizzlies head to Milwaukee to play the Bucks on Wednesday.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Jaren Jackson Jr. scores 40 as Memphis Grizzlies rally to beat Pistons