LeBron-Less Lakers hand loss to the Detroit Pistons, 113-100
By Ash Vanclay
Blake Griffin was basically triple teamed on the first offensive possession tonight, which was the beginning of a tough night for the Detroit Pistons superstar, as they lose 113-100.
Dwane Casey shuffled his rotation by not playing a sole bench unit tonight, as the Detroit Pistons shot 33% in the first quarter, yet they somehow still managed to hold a 4 point lead going into the second quarter.
The Detroit Pistons managed to hold the lead in the beginning of the second, and then the Los Angeles Lakers onslaught began, as they took the lead, and never relinquished it!
The Detroit Pistons just had no answer for Kyle Kuzma, who notched his career high 41 points, on a nifty 5-10 shooting from behind the arc (Shooting 29.7% on the season). Kuzma also joined an exclusive club tonight; he is seventh in scoring the most points without getting an assist for the Lakers!
The Detroit Pistons got jumped by the Los Angeles Lakers as they struggled getting back in transition and setting up their defence, this lead to a multitude of easy scoring opportunities for the Lakers, where they feasted.
The Detroit Pistons offense just could not compete as they shot 44% from the field, and 31% from three, while the Lakers shot a scorching 56% from the field, and a reasonable 34% from three.
Luke Kennard and Langston Galloway were the lone bright spots for Detroit. With Galloway coming in off the bench in the second half and just hit three after three as he finished with 15 points all from behind the arc (5 of 6). Kennard also played well at the end of the game, keeping the score somewhat respectable, and battling for some strong rebounds on the defensive end. He finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Expect to see more of these 2 guys in the rotation!
The Detroit Pistons will look to get back to winning ways as they head to Sacramento to take on the Kings next on Thursday!