Reaves scores 43 as Lakers end four-game losing streak in Detroit
The Lakers defeated the Pistons 121-116 on Sunday despite missing Luka Doncic, who sat out with lower-back tightness.
By Julia Wang ·
Austin Reaves scored 43 points on Sunday to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. The win ended a four-game losing streak against Detroit for the Lakers.
Luka Doncic, who had averaged 45 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists over his previous four games, was ruled out earlier on Sunday due to lower-back tightness. Walker Kessler contributed 12 points and 16 rebounds for Los Angeles.
The Lakers established a 40-14 lead early in the second quarter. They outscored the Pistons by 24 points in the first quarter, shooting 69.6% from the field and making five of eight three-point attempts. Detroit pulled within 61-48 at halftime after Daniss Jenkins hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.
The Pistons mounted a comeback effort in the third quarter, finishing with a 13-2 run to cut the deficit to 84-81. However, Reaves scored 13 points during that stretch to keep the Lakers in control. Detroit trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter despite having no starter score in double figures.
With 9:14 remaining, Cade Cunningham missed the second of two free throws that would have tied the game at 90. The Lakers regained a six-point lead with 3:32 left. Kessler extended the margin to 107-99 with a three-point play at the 2:15 mark. Reaves hit an off-balance three-pointer with 46 seconds left and sealed the win from the free-throw line.
Jenkins set a career high with 31 points off the bench for Detroit, while Kevin Huerter added 24 points. The Lakers play at Atlanta on Monday night, and the Pistons host Washington on Monday night.
