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DETROIT — Ahead of their clash with the Pistons, coach JJ Redick emphasized a key message to the Lakers: resilience. This focus on staying unified has been integral to the team’s recent upswing, which they carried into Monday’s game.
Earlier in the season, the Lakers were prone to reverting to “self-preservation” tactics in the face of challenges, something Redick noted has significantly changed. The team has learned to remain cohesive under pressure.
The Lakers’ narrow 113-110 defeat at Little Caesars Arena served as a testament to Redick’s point. Despite encountering several hurdles—including the Pistons’ aggressive play, struggles with 3-point shooting, and contentious refereeing—they maintained their composure and resolve.
Facing a deficit that stretched to 16 points, the Lakers rallied to repeatedly level the score in the second half. They managed to tie the game at 105 late in the fourth quarter and even seized a 110-109 lead with 30 seconds left, thanks to a clutch play by Austin Reaves.
After trailing by as many as 16 points, they tied the game multiple times in the second half, including tying the game at 105 late in the fourth and leading 110-109 with 30 seconds left after a runner from Austin Reaves.
But Daniss Jenkins, who had a career night, closed out the Lakers, making the 12-foot jumper to give the Pistons a 111-110 lead with 25 seconds left.
After an empty possession from the Lakers, Jenkins made a pair of free throws to put the Pistons up by three with nine seconds left.
Luka Doncic (32 points but on 11-of-29 shooting to go with seven rebounds and six assists) missed the potential game-tying 3-pointer before the final buzzer.
Reaves had 24 points and five assists.
What it means
The Lakers’ season-long winning streak ended at nine games.
They dropped to 46-26 on the season after their first loss of the road trip.
Turning point
When Luke Kennard was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 2:39 left in the game.
Kennard made all free throws to tie the game 105 apiece, helping the Lakers slow down Detroit’s momentum.
But the Pistons bested the Lakers in crunch time.
MVP: Daniss Jenkins
The Pistons guard scored a career-high 30 points, stepping into the starting lineup in place of injured All-Star guard Cade Cunningham.
Jenkins shot 11 of 18 from the field, 4 of 5 on 3s and made all 4 of his free throws.
He also had eight assists and four rebounds.
Stat of the game: 8
That’s how many turnovers the Lakers had in the fourth after having just five in the opening three quarters.
Even though the Lakers shot better from the field against the Pistons in the fourth, their giveaways limited their scoring opportunities.
Up next
The Lakers will close out the six-game trip against the Pacers on Wednesday.