Davis’ big night lifts Lakers past Pistons.
The Lakers battle back and win their second straight game in Friday’s matchup against the Pistons, beating Detriot 128–121 to move their season record to 4–10.
Before we talk about anything, we must give flowers to the man of Friday’s win, Anthony Davis, who displayed another dominant big-man outing with his second straight 35-plus point outing.
Anthony Davis was the first Laker since Shaquille O’Neal (01/04/2000–01/05/2000) to record 35+ points and 15+ rebounds in back-to-back games.
Davis finished with a season-high 38 points on 62% (10-for-16) shooting from the floor, adding 16 rebounds and 4 blocks in 34 minutes.
LeBron James sat out his third straight game in the Lakers’ matchup against the Pistons with a left adductor strain he’s still dealing with.
“LeBron knows that we need Anthony to play like that. We (all) know we have to get AD going. That gives us our best chance to be successful,” said coach Ham.
Lonnie Walker IV finished second on the team in scoring with 17 points on 42% (6-for-13) shooting from the field, adding three assists and a rebound.
“I’m just playing my game,” said Walker. “I’m just doing what I do best.”
In their first game back after missing the first 13 games with thumb injuries, Dennis Schröder and Thomas Bryant help bring an extra boost to the Lakers bench.
Bryant finished with 8 points and 5 rebounds in 13 minutes, while Schröder finished with 2 points and 2 assists in 16 minutes, as both are trying to regain their rhythm after sitting out.
With his third straight game of scoring 15 or more points, Austin Reaves has proven he belongs in the starting lineup, scoring 16 points on just 8 shots (5-for-8, 62%) with 6 assists and 4 rebounds in 36 minutes.
“He’s [Anthony Davis] been a monster this whole season,” said Reaves on Davis’ big night. “That’s what he does. That’s what he’s capable of doing. And we all know it. Everybody knows.”
The Lakers’ next matchup remains at home this Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs at 6:30 PM on Spectrum SportsNet and NBA TV.
