Lakers beat Pistons 121-116 as Reaves scores 43
Austin Reaves led the way in a high-scoring win for Los Angeles, while Detroit's bench players combined for 55 points.
By Beatriz Soto ·
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons 121-116 on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena, extending their winning streak against Detroit to five games. Austin Reaves scored 43 points to lead the Lakers, who played without star Luka Doncic. Detroit missed a key free throw in the fourth quarter, allowing Los Angeles to secure the victory.
Reaves shot efficiently and maintained pressure throughout the game. He hit an off-balance three-pointer with 46 seconds remaining and then made the necessary free throws to put the game away. Walker Kessler contributed 12 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers. Doncic was ruled out earlier in the day due to lower-back tightness. He had been averaging 45 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists over his previous four games.
The Lakers established a large lead in the first quarter, outscoring Detroit by 24 points. They made 16 of their 23 field goal attempts, including five of eight three-pointers. The Pistons trailed 40-14 early in the second quarter. Detroit responded with a strong second half effort, though they could not fully close the gap.
Daniss Jenkins scored a career-high 31 points off the bench for the Pistons in 32 minutes. Kevin Huerter added 24 points, also coming off the bench. Together, Jenkins and Huerter outscored Detroit's entire starting lineup 44-30. No Detroit starter recorded a double-digit point total. The Pistons had started the season 6-1 but have lost their last two games.
The game remained close in the final minutes. Detroit had the opportunity to tie the score at 90 with 9:14 left in the fourth quarter. Cade Cunningham missed the second of two free throws, keeping the Lakers ahead. Los Angeles rebuilt its lead to six points with 3:32 remaining. A three-point play by Kessler gave the Lakers a 107-99 lead with 2:15 left.
The Pistons cut the deficit to 84-81 late in the third quarter after a 13-2 run that included four consecutive layups. Jenkins hit a three-pointer at the halftime buzzer to pull Detroit within 61-48. Reaves scored 13 points during the third quarter to limit the Pistons' momentum. The Lakers now travel to Atlanta on Monday night. Detroit hosts Washington on Monday night.
