The Detroit Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 117-114 on Monday night to sweep the teams’ season series, led by 21 points from Malik Beasley and 20 points and 10 assists from Cade Cunningham.
LeBron James had his 120th triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, but he missed a 3-pointer just before the final horn blew. James, 39, has more triple-doubles this season than anybody else except Nikola Jokic (11).
The Pistons, who have won back-to-back games for the first time since November 17 and only the third time this season, defeated Phoenix and Los Angeles on the road thanks to 18 points from Jaden Ivey. Detroit ended a seven-game road losing streak against the Lakers since 2017 when they defeated them at home last month.
With 2 1/2 minutes remaining, Detroit had a 117-106 lead, but the Lakers scored eight baskets in a row, keyed by a clutch layup by James with 46 seconds remaining. James missed an open 30-footer after Cunningham missed a 3-pointer with 28.9 seconds remaining after the Pistons had a foul called over by video review.
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Takeaways
Pistons: Although they still have room for improvement, this youthful team has defeated the Lakers, Miami, New York, and Phoenix this month. It was evident that the Pistons were eager to perform on the grand stage in Los Angeles.
Lakers: The Pistons’ 117 points demonstrated their lack of defensive focus, while their 20 turnovers demonstrated their lack of attention to detail.
Key moment
Ivey and Beasley helped Detroit blast it open with a 16–4 run early in the fourth.
Key stat
James became the second-most prolific 3-point shooter in Lakers history with his 847th 3-pointer, surpassing Derek Fisher. Kobe Bryant (1,827) was the only one to make more.
Up next
On Christmas, the Lakers pay the Warriors a visit. On Thursday, the Pistons will be at Sacramento.
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