Reaves scores 43 to lead Lakers over Pistons in Detroit
The Lakers ended a four-game losing streak against the Pistons by winning 121-116, with bench players carrying the offense for Detroit.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons 121-116 on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena, ending a four-game losing streak against this opponent. Austin Reaves led the scoring with 43 points in the victory.
Luka Doncic, who had averaged 45 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists over his previous four games, missed the contest due to lower-back tightness. He was ruled out earlier on Sunday. Walker Kessler contributed 12 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers.
Detroit trailed 40-14 early in the second quarter before mounting a comeback attempt. The Pistons could have tied the score at 90 with 9:14 remaining, but Cade Cunningham missed the second of two free throws. The Lakers regained a six-point lead with 3:32 left, and a three-point play by Kessler extended the margin to 107-99 with 2:15 remaining.
Reaves hit an off-balance three-pointer with 46 seconds left and secured the win from the free-throw line. For Detroit, Daniss Jenkins set a career high with 31 points in 32 minutes off the bench. Kevin Huerter added 24 points, also coming off the bench. The two bench scorers outscored the Detroit starting lineup, which totaled 30 points, with no starter reaching double figures.
The Lakers opened the game with a 24-point first-quarter lead, shooting 69.6 percent from the field. Detroit cut the deficit to three points late in the third quarter on a 13-2 run featuring four straight layups, but the Lakers held on for the win. The Lakers play the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.
