Pistons improve to 2-0 on road trip with win over LeBron's Lakers

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Dec 24, 2024

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LOS ANGELES — The Detroit Pistons are usually the team that suffers from their lack of ball security. They came into Los Angeles tied with the Toronto Raptors for the sixth-most turnovers, averaging 16.2. However, inside Crypto.com Arena Monday night, the Pistons were the beneficiary of a team that could not hold on to the ball.

The Los Angeles Lakers committed 20 turnovers, conceding 28 points in Detroit's 117-114 victory. The Pistons are now 13-17 overall and 2-0 on their current four-game road trip o ut West.

Malik Beasley has yet to become a strong contender for Sixth Man of the Year, but the events in Los Angeles could change the narrative in his favor. Beasley entered the game at 6:31 in the first quarter when the Pistons were off to a sluggish start.

The Pistons began the night shooting 1-of-7 from the field and appeared to be on the verge of a blowout when Jalen Duren committed the team's third turnover of the period. Beasley immediately intercepted Cam Reddish's pass attempt to D'Angelo Russell and connected on his first 3-point basket of the game.

Shortly after nailing the three, Beasley celebrated with Pistons owner Tom Gores, who was sitting baseline. The former Laker scored nine of his team-leading 21 points during the first period, and his production helped the Pistons establish a rhythm that led to Detroit sweeping its two-game regular-season series against Los Angeles.

Beasley was one of six players who scored in double figures. Fresh off his first Player of the Week honor, Cade Cunningham recorded his 15th double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 assists.

With 4:36 left in the fourth quarter, Cunningham scored a contested one-handed layup over LeBron James to give the Pistons a 113-103 lead with 4:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. Jaden Ivey scored 18 points. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 15.

After the Pistons held a 10-point lead, the Lakers embarked on an 11-4 run during the final four minutes. Los Angeles' comeback attempt was ignited by James, who finished the night with 28 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds.

With 28.9 seconds left, James found Anthony Davis for a driving dunk, but the All-Star big man missed the attempt. The official called a foul on Tobias Harris. However, following coach J.B. Bickerstaff's challenge, the review proved that Harris did not touch Davis during his missed shot attempt. Davis finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

A missed field goal by Cunningham gave the Lakers a chance to send the game into overtime with four seconds left. However, James missed the game-trying 3 as time expired.

Observations and notes vs. Lakers

Most impactful game of the season for Fontecchio: Fontecchio was essential in the Piston's win against the Suns Saturday night and scored 10 points off the bench. However, against the Lakers, Fontecchio had his most impactful performance.

Alongside Bealsey, Fontecchio helped the Pistons gain their momentum after a slow start. He scored six of his 13 points in the first quarter and helped Detroit close the period on a 10-0 run. The Pistons held a 34-32 leading the second period after an early 10-point deficit. Fontecchio nailed an impressive 3-point field goal over James at the buzzer as time expired to end the frame.

A solid performance for Ron Holland and Paul Reed: The Pistons' bench unit had one of their best games of the season. In addition to Beasley and Fontecchio, Ron Holland II was vital, with 10 points and four rebounds. Paul Reed showcased his defense impact by recording four steals off the bench.

Pistons hope to have Isaiah Stewart back soon: It's been over a week since Isaiah Stewart suffered a hyperextended knee against the Miami Heat and missed his third straight game against the Lakers. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff gave a slight injury update on Stewart, stating that he is "taking the steps necessary" during his ongoing recovery.

There is no timetable for Stewart's return, but Bickerstaff hopes to have his defensive anchor back "sooner rather than later."

Up next

After a two-day off period, the Pistons will continue their four-game western trip Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings. They will travel to Denver on Dec. 28 to play the Nuggets. Tipoff between the Pistons and Kings is slated for Golden 1 Center at 10 p.m.