The Detroit Pistons stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 113-110, ending their nine-game winning streak behind Dennis Jenkins’ career-high 30 points, while Luka Doncic’s 32-point effort fell short with a heartbreaking final three-pointer that missed everything. This Lakers vs Pistons clash delivered edge-of-your-seat drama in the closing minutes, reshaping the NBA playoff race.
In those last few minutes, everything got intense. Austin Reaves made a layup to put the Lakers up by one with not much time left. Then Jenkins hit a jumper right back over him. Doncic tried for a three at the end, but it missed bad, did not even hit the rim. Something about LeBron inbound pass got messed up, maybe intercepted by one of the Pistons guys like Harris or Kleber. Jenkins sealed it with free throws, going perfect in the last minute.
The first half was rough for the Lakers. They looked off without Smart and Hachimura hurt. James, Doncic, and Reaves only made seven out of 28 shots together. LeBron did not score at all before halftime, which is rare for him, only the third time ever. He had that hand injury too but kept playing. It seems like the Pistons built a lead early.
Then in the third, James finally got going. He hit a three, and the Lakers went on this run, like 20 to 6. He blocked a shot and set up Reaves for another three. Doncic stole the ball and scored on a fast break. Still, the Pistons had that 14 point edge at one point, and the Lakers tried to come back but fell short. James ended with 12 points, almost a triple double with 10 assists and 9 rebounds.
Doncic was everywhere, shooting well from the field and making threes, averaging 40 points lately over nine games. Reaves had 24, fought hard at the end. But the injuries hurt them. For the Pistons, Jenkins was key with his 30, plus assists and threes. Duren had 20 and 11 rebounds, stepping up since Cunningham was out with his lung thing. The Pistons are 52 and 19, top in the East. Lakers at 46 and 26, might drop to sixth in the West.
They scored 32 in the fourth, Lakers only 18. That third quarter lead held up. Coach Redick said they can still play well and be a playoff threat if they stick together. The streak is done, but they are third in the West still. Pistons on four wins in a row, undefeated in East play.
This game was a wake up, I guess. If the Lakers get healthy, they could go far. The Pistons young guys seem ready for playoffs. It is funny how one missed shot changes everything in the NBA.
