DETROIT – The Los Angeles Lakers saw their nine-game winning streak come to an end Monday night, falling to the Detroit Pistons 113-110. While a spirited second-half comeback kept the game within reach, a second consecutive subpar shooting performance from Lakers forward Luka Doncic proved too much to overcome. The loss snapped the team’s longest winning streak since a similar run during the 2022-23 season, a stretch that followed the acquisition of Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic, who had been playing at an exceptional level during the streak, struggled mightily against the Pistons, shooting 11-for-29 from the field (38%) and 3-for-13 from beyond the arc. He finished with 32 points, but his inefficiency loomed large, particularly as the rest of the Lakers shot a collective 54% from the floor. Doncic himself acknowledged his struggles, stating after the game, “I think I played terrible with the team, I didn’t play good.” The sentiment underscored a frustrating night for the star, who took over a third of the team’s shot attempts.
The game hung in the balance until the final seconds, with Doncic’s potential game-tying three-pointer missing off a broken play, as highlighted in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by user @mcten. The Pistons, playing without their star Cade Cunningham who is sidelined with a collapsed lung, capitalized on Doncic’s off night, led by a surprising performance from former G League player Daniss Jenkins.
Pistons’ Jenkins Steps Up in Cunningham’s Absence
With Cunningham unavailable, Jenkins seized the opportunity, delivering a standout performance with 30 points and eight assists. The Pistons entered the contest with the best record in the Eastern Conference, but Cunningham’s injury had cast doubt on their ability to maintain that position. Jenkins’ performance proved that Detroit could still compete, even without their leading scorer. The unexpected contribution from Jenkins was a key factor in securing the victory for the Pistons.
The Lakers, despite the loss, showed resilience in the second half, tightening their defense after a sluggish first two quarters. They trailed by as many as 13 points in the first half, allowing the Pistons to score 65 points before halftime, including a 42-point second quarter. However, L.A. Limited Detroit to just 48 points in the second half, demonstrating an improved defensive commitment.
Lakers’ Defensive Adjustments Not Enough to Overcome Shooting Woes
“We did a good job of defending, we did a good job of just staying with it. And we got back in the game,” said Lakers head coach JJ Redick after the game, acknowledging the team’s defensive adjustments. Redick also emphasized the importance of maintaining composure even when facing adversity. “I didn’t perceive like we were going to break — especially on the road when you’re going on a run, and you’re not scoring — that can kind of be detrimental to the sort of, not effort, nor vibe but the mood. It can feel defeating. And we never gave into that,” he explained.
While Doncic’s struggles were the focal point, LeBron James contributed a well-rounded performance with 12 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. James focused on facilitating the offense in the first half, allowing Doncic and Austin Reaves to take the scoring initiative. However, he faced some criticism for a scoreless first half, a point Redick addressed, stating, “I feel like he played a really unselfish game…He did a good job in not just trying to score, but making the right play like he always does.”
GettyLakers head coach JJ Redick
The Lakers’ next challenge comes on Wednesday when they face the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will be a crucial test for the team as they look to rebound from this defeat and regain their momentum. The 76ers game is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST at the Wells Fargo Center, and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Further updates on the Lakers’ injury report and starting lineup will be available closer to game time on the team’s official website https://www.nba.com/lakers.
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