Austin Reaves Erupts for 43 Points as Lakers Edge Pistons Without Doncic

Key Takeaways:

• On Sunday, Austin Reaves delivered a career-best 43 points to power the Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons
• Luka Doncic was sidelined due to lower-back tightness, after averaging 45 points, nine rebounds and eight assists across his previous four outings
• Daniss Jenkins tallied a career-high 31 points in 32 minutes off the bench for Detroit, who have now lost back-to-back games

Match Analysis

The Los Angeles Lakers managed to withstand a determined Detroit Pistons side at Little Caesars Arena with a 121-116 win on Sunday, despite missing Luka Doncic to lower-back tightness. Doncic had been in exceptional form, recording averages of 45 points, nine rebounds and eight assists over his four previous matchups before being ruled out earlier in the day.

Austin Reaves stepped up in emphatic style, pouring in 43 points to guide the Lakers, supported by Walker Kessler, who impressed with 12 points and 16 rebounds. This result sees Los Angeles snap a four-game losing skid against Detroit.

Battled for it https://t.co/Y3opbLEBrQ

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 9, 2026

First Quarter Surge Sets the Tone

The Lakers raced out of the blocks, overwhelming Detroit by a 40-14 scoreline early in the second quarter. Los Angeles dominated the opening frame, converting 16 of their 23 field goal attempts (69.6 percent), including five-of-eight from behind the arc (62.5 percent).

Detroit’s Response and Second Half Drama

Despite the early deficit, the Pistons rallied in the second quarter, narrowing the Lakers’ lead to 61-48 at the break after Daniss Jenkins nailed a three-pointer as time expired. Jenkins went on to produce a career-high 31 points in 32 minutes from the bench, while Kevin Huerter added 24, also coming off the bench.

Detroit maintained their momentum in the third period, with Jenkins’ scoring keeping them in contention. A 13-2 Pistons run, capped by four consecutive layups, sliced the Lakers’ advantage to just three points, though Detroit trailed by seven heading into the final period.

Late-Game Execution and Key Moments

In the decisive moments, Los Angeles rebuilt their cushion to six points at the 3:32 mark. Walker Kessler’s three-point play extended the gap to 107-99 with 2:15 to play. Reaves then drained an off-balance three-pointer with 46 seconds remaining, ultimately securing the win at the free-throw line.

The pivotal chance for Detroit came with 9:14 left when Cade Cunningham could have tied the contest at 90 but missed the second of his two free throws. Despite their late push, including a strong bench performance (Jenkins and Huerter outscoring the starting lineup 44-30), the Pistons could not bridge the gap.

Looking Ahead

• The Lakers are scheduled to face Atlanta on Monday night
• The Pistons will look to bounce back as they host Washington on Monday night