The Los Angeles Lakers returned to winning ways as they defeated the Detroit Pistons by 124-117 and broke their three-game losing streak. Austin Reaves was the star of the show for the Lakers as he smashed a three-pointer with 12.1 seconds remaining on the clock on Sunday.
Anthony Davis scored 34 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and made a fine return after missing the last couple of matches due to illness. The Lakers won three and lost as many in their last six-match road trip.
Lakers’ next challenge are the Boston Celtics, who currently have a 26-6 record, which is the best for any team in the ongoing season. Thus, Davis believes it was imperative for them to get a win before taking on the in-form Celtics.
“That’s why it was a must-win for us, to get this win feeling good about ourselves going into a big game back at home,” Anthony Davis said of the victory against the Pistons. “We feel like we can beat anyone. We’re playing really good defensively, offense is clicking. So we expect that to be a good game for us.”
On the other hand, the team’s head coach Darvin Ham is satisfied with the team’s performance on the road.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said of the trip. “But I’m happy. I’m satisfied with our team. … We did a lot of things well. A lot of things we need to get better at. But we’re trending in the right direction. So I’m very pleased with that.”
Meanwhile, Lakers’ talisman LeBron James revealed he trusts Austin Reaves, who scored nine points, to make the play for the team.
“I trust him,” James said of Reaves. “I love what he brings to the table both offensively and defensively, and his basketball IQ is very high. He plays hard and he doesn’t make many mistakes. And anytime he’s on the floor with me, I trust him to make the play.”
James top-scored with 35 points and it will be pivotal for the Lakers that both Davis and LeBron bring their best against the Celtics on Tuesday night.
