Austin Reaves scores 43 to lead Lakers past Pistons
The guard posted a season high while Luka Dončić sat out, helping Los Angeles defeat Detroit 121-116 in a game that saw the home team claw back from a 26-point deficit.
By Julian Schulz ·
Austin Reaves scored 43 points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons 121-116 on Sunday night. The victory came without Luka Dončić, who sat out the contest, forcing the Lakers to rely on their supporting cast to open their road trip.
Reaves shot 14 for 27 from the floor to post his highest total of the season. It was also his first 40-point game of the year. Quentin Grimes started at point guard in Dončić's place and scored 12 points, including 10 in the first quarter.
The Lakers built a large early advantage by forcing turnovers. Detroit committed eight giveaways in the first half, and Los Angeles scored 17 points directly off those mistakes. The Lakers led 38-14 after the opening period and held a 13-point lead at halftime.
The Pistons, who have the league's best defense, mounted a comeback in the second half. They erased a 26-point deficit from the second quarter and cut the gap to 84-81 with 2:30 remaining in the third quarter. That sequence occurred while Reaves was resting on the bench.
Reaves scored 13 points during the third quarter to stabilize the team. Collin Sexton finished with 17 points and added key free throws and a layup near the end of the third period to extend the Lakers' lead to 88-81.
The home team closed the gap to one point midway through the fourth quarter, but Los Angeles held on. Walker Kessler recorded 12 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots. Ziaire Williams added 17 points, and Sexton and Reaves made key plays in the final minutes to seal the win.
The result extends the Lakers' season to include three weeks of play with Dončić sidelined. The team has struggled to find consistent answers in his absence, but the Pistons' defense was not enough to stop Reaves on this night.
