DETROIT — One of coach JJ Redick’s pregame messages before the matchup against the Pistons, and what’s gone into the Lakers being as connected as they’ve been during their surge over the last few weeks entering Monday, was how his job has done a better job of bending but not breaking.
How earlier in the season, it would be common for players and coaches to revert back to a mode of “self preservation” when the adversity was too difficult. And how that was no longer the case.
The 113-110 loss at Little Caesars Arena was a perfect example of what Redick meant.
Even though the Lakers struggled with a variety of factors – from the Pistons’ physicality, poor 3-point shooting and refereeing – they didn’t let go off the rope.
“We did a good job of just staying with it and got back in the game,” Redick said.
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 after the Lakers intentionally fouled 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 after a LeBron James’ sidelined inbounds pass was deflected by Tobias Harris and bobbled by Maxi Kleber before Doncic’s shot.
“I was trying to see over [Harris], but also see over Maxi, see over Duren, see over [Ausar] Thompson to get it to Luka,” James said. “There was some bodies that tried to get over top, but he was able to get his finger on it.”
Reaves had 24 points and five assists. James, who went scoreless in the first half for just the third time in his 23-season NBA career, finished with 12 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.
Deandre Ayton had a 13 point-10 rebound double-double in a game the Lakers were without Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura.
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.
“Obviously, if you’re not shooting the ball and you’re giving the ball to the other team, it hurts,” Redick said.
Up next
The Lakers will close out the six-game trip against the Pacers on Wednesday.
