Daniss Jenkins Shines as Pistons Snap Lakers’ Nine-Game Win Streak in Thriller
DETROIT — In a game that mirrored a postseason heavyweight bout, the Detroit Pistons proved they are more than just a one-man show. Even with star guard Cade Cunningham sidelined due to a collapsed lung, the Pistons found a new hero in Daniss Jenkins, who delivered a career-defining performance to lead Detroit to a 113-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
The loss brought a screeching halt to the Lakers’ impressive nine-game winning streak and served as a reminder of how thin the margins are in the final stretch of the 2026 season.
Jenkins Takes Center Stage
With Cunningham out, Daniss Jenkins stepped into the vacuum and dominated. Jenkins finished with a team-high 30 points and eight rebounds, but it was his poise in the “clutch” that defined the night.
After Austin Reaves bullied Jenkins for a physical driving layup to put the Lakers up by one with 29.7 seconds remaining, Jenkins didn’t blink. On the very next possession, he found his spot on the baseline and buried a contested midrange jumper over Reaves to reclaim the lead with 25 seconds left. It was a “revenge bucket” that ultimately sealed the Lakers’ fate.
Jenkins was supported by a monstrous double-double from Jalen Duren, who tallied 20 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the interior against a shorthanded Lakers frontcourt.
A Disjointed Start for L.A.
The Lakers (46-26) entered Little Caesars Arena without the services of Rui Hachimura (calf) and Marcus Smart (ankle/hip). The absence of Smart, the team’s defensive anchor and plus-minus leader, was felt immediately.
The Lakers’ “constellation of stars” looked remarkably disjointed in the first half. LeBron James and Luka Doncic combined for a dismal shooting performance early on. In fact, James was held scoreless in the first half for only the third time in his legendary career—and the first time since December 2010. By the time the second quarter ended, the Pistons had built a commanding 16-point lead.
The Second-Half Surge
James finally found his rhythm at the 5:54 mark of the third quarter, draining a three-pointer that sparked a 20-6 Lakers run. The veteran star finished with 12 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, nearly triple-doubling despite a noticeable hand injury sustained in the first half.
Luka Doncic, despite struggling from deep (3-for-13 from three-point range), carried the scoring load with 32 points. His step-back three late in the third tied the game and set the stage for a back-and-forth final frame. However, Doncic missed a potential go-ahead jumper with 12 seconds left and was unable to get a clean look at a game-tying triple as the buzzer sounded.
Looking Ahead
The Pistons (52-19) continue to solidify their standing as a powerhouse in the East, showing remarkable depth in Cunningham’s absence. For the Lakers, the focus shifts to the health of their rotation. Coach JJ Redick noted that both Hachimura and Smart are considered day-to-day, and the team will need them back quickly to regain the momentum lost in Detroit.
Following the Detroit Pistons’ thrilling 113-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on March 23, 2026, here are the answers to the most common questions and official resources for the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many points did Daniss Jenkins score against the Lakers? Daniss Jenkins recorded a career-high 30 points. He was instrumental in the closing seconds, scoring 6 points in the final 34 seconds, including the go-ahead baseline jumper with 25 seconds remaining.
Why did Cade Cunningham miss the game? The Pistons’ All-Star guard was out due to a collapsed left lung (pneumothorax). He was diagnosed on March 19 and is expected to be re-evaluated in early April.
Did Luka Doncic almost miss this game due to suspension? Yes. Doncic initially received his 16th technical foul of the season on Saturday against Orlando, which triggers an automatic one-game suspension. However, the NBA rescinded the technical on Sunday, clearing him to play in Detroit.
How did LeBron James perform despite his hand injury? LeBron had a historic “slow start,” going scoreless in the first half for only the third time in his 23-year career. He recovered in the second half to finish with a near triple-double: 12 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds.
What is the current win/loss streak for both teams? The loss ended the Lakers’ nine-game winning streak. Conversely, the Pistons have now won four consecutive games and currently hold the best record in the Eastern Conference (52-19).
Reference Links & Player Stats
- Official NBA Box Score: Lakers at Pistons – March 23, 2026
- Detailed Player Statistics: RealGM: L.A. Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons Box Score
- Daniss Jenkins Career News: RotoWire: Jenkins Career Night vs. LAL
- Cade Cunningham Injury Update: AP News: Pistons Injury Report
- Lakers Team Coverage: Spectrum SportsNet LA