Coming off three full days of rest, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to continue building momentum against the Detroit Pistons. They had won four of their last five games, and they’re looking to make the same late-season run they enjoyed last year.
Detroit has the NBA’s worst record, but it came in playing slightly better of late, having won four of its previous nine games, and in the early minutes of this game, it was competitive. However, the home team quickly flipped the switch and changed the complexion of the contest.
The Lakers made 10 shots in a row in the first quarter to take control, and they held a 71-48 lead at halftime. They were getting out and running with ease, and the ball was moving around fast, as they had 20 assists in the first half. Los Angeles lost some steam in the third period but still led 99-79 with 12 minutes left, and it glided into a no-sweat 125-111 victory to improve to 29-26 on the season.
Its offense, which has been producing at an elite level lately, was solid. The team shot 51.2% from the field and 40.0% from 3-point range, but it also got the job done defensively by holding the Pistons to just 41.7% overall shooting.
The Lakers will now fly up to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz before they will have seven consecutive days off for the All-Star break.