Ex-Pistons forward Jerami Grant explodes for 36 points in 30-point win over former team

Portland — The Pistons, searching for consistency and a rare back-to-back win, had the tall task of facing the Portland Trail Blazers in their first game of the new year.

The Blazers featured a familiar face in their starting lineup. Jerami Grant, who spent the previous two seasons with the Pistons, was facing his former team for the first time since he was traded during the offseason.

Grant had a virtuoso performance of 36 points on an efficient 12-of-17 shooting night to lead the Blazers to a 135-106 win at Moda Center on Monday night. The veteran forward was proficient from beyond the arc, finishing with five 3-pointers on eight attempts.

The game’s turning point occurred late in the second…