Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff lauded his team’s performance following Monday’s 113-110 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Little Caesars Arena.
“No longer surprised… when he’s gotten the opportunity, he’s delivered for us,” Bickerstaff said about Daniss Jenkins, who scored a career-high 30 points, including six in the final 34 seconds.
On the team’s late-game execution, he added, “Our guys being who they are, they never give in. They stick together… they find a way to come together.”
Bickerstaff credited his defense for limiting the Lakers’ early advantage: “Ausar is one of the best defenders in our league… defending those guys without fouling, keeping them off the free throw line.”
He also praised Javonte Green’s impact: “He’s been consistent at making winning plays and plays that might not go in the stat sheet… just being in the right spot, knocking a guy off his spot.”
Addressing the absence of Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart, and Marcus Sasser, Bickerstaff emphasized team identity: “This comes from a year and a half of work… guys willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the team… truly believe in the identity of this team.”
Regarding Jenkins’ improved form, he noted, “He puts the work in, puts the time in, wants to do the right thing… the opportunity grows for him too and he’s found that rhythm.”
Bickerstaff described the final defensive sequence against the Lakers: “We believe the fact that we can get a stop on command… JD ends up on Doncic out in space and does a great job… making a highly contested three-point shot.”
Detroit overcame 32 points from Luka Doncic and 24 from Austin Reaves, with Jalen Duren adding 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Pistons trailed by 16 points early in the third quarter but regained the lead in the final minute.
The win extends Detroit’s streak to four straight and keeps the team atop the Eastern Conference with a 52-19 record.
The Pistons will host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, looking to continue their momentum down the stretch and maintain their position as the league’s top seed.
