Blake Griffin scored 23 points and the Detroit Pistons took advantage of Anthony Davis’ absence Thursday night in a 107-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James had 22 points and 10 assists, but only two of those points came after half-time. The defending champions have lost back-to-back games, the first losing streak of any kind for the Lakers from before in last year’s playoffs.
Davis was out with a right quad contusion, and Los Angeles – who lost by a point at Philadelphia Wednesday night – went into the fourth quarter against the Pistons.
Detroit started led by a man before Griffin started 3-pointers with a 6:54 remaining 16-0 run. The Lakers went nearly seven minutes without scoring.
Chris Schwegler / Getty Images Blake Griffin # 23 of the Detroit Pistons looks to pass the ball while LeBron James # 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers through the game on Jan. 28, 2021 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan .
Wayne Ellington added 20 points to the Pistons.
James was skeptical due to a left ankle sprain, but looked good at first, making the first seven hits off the field and scoring 20 points in the first half.
James made four 3-pointers in the half, but so did Ellington, and the Pistons only scored 58-56 at the break.
Ellington finished 6 of 9 from a 3-point range and is 40 of 67 from long range in his last eight games. Ellington became the eighth player in NBA history to have at least seven straight games with four or more 3s.
TIP-INS
Lakers: Kyle Kuzma added 22 points and Talen Horton-Tucker added 13. … James 1 of 12 went off the field after making the first seven hits.
Pistons: Detroit did all of the free throws. … Mason Plumlee had 17 points and 10 rebounds.
UP Next
Lakers: Visit the Boston Celtics Saturday night. The teams split two games last season, with Boston winning its home game 139-107.
Pistons: Visit the Golden State Warriors Saturday night. The Warriors beat Detroit 116-106 on Dec. 29.