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Daniss Jenkins leads Pistons to big win over Lakers
Detroit Pistons Daniss Jenkins. David Reginek-Imagn Images

Daniss Jenkins' career game leads Pistons to big win over Lakers

An unlikely hero helped the Detroit Pistons snap the Los Angeles Lakers' nine-game win streak on Monday.

Second-year guard Daniss Jenkins, starting for just the 11th time this season, scored 30 points in the 113-110 home win. Jenkins, a 2024 undrafted free agent who ended his collegiate career with Rick Pitino at St. John's, shot 11-of-18 from the court, including 4-of-5 from three, while adding a team-high eight assists and four rebounds.

Center Jalen Duren recorded his 37th double-double of the season, finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds, as the Pistons won for the seventh time in eight games after a four-game losing streak to re-solidify their hold of first place in the Eastern Conference with 11 games to go in the regular season.

Daniss Jenkins' career night leads Detroit Pistons to win over streaking Los Angeles Lakers

Stepping in for injured star guard Cade Cunningham, who was diagnosed with a collapsed lung last week, placing him out indefinitely, Jenkins had his second consecutive 20-point game, continuing to make the most out of his opportunities when provided.

After only playing 23 minutes and scoring seven points as a rookie, Jenkins saw his first extended action against the Washington Wizards in November 2025, when he scored 24 points in 33 minutes off the bench, including a tying three at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime.

He hit the go-ahead bucket on Monday against the Lakers, taking an inbounds pass with under 30 seconds remaining and driving toward the basket before hitting a step-back jumper over Austin Reaves, giving the Pistons a 111-110 advantage. He later drained two free throws to extend the lead and give him his first career 30-point game.

Jenkins' strong performance against a quality opponent should ease concerns around Detroit as it navigates Cunningham's injury. While the Pistons certainly need Cunningham healthy to win an NBA title this June, these are important reps for Jenkins as he gets set for a potentially prominent role off the bench when their All-Star guard returns.

Following a 22-point effort in his most recent game before Monday, a 115-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, Jenkins spoke about his increased role, telling Pistons sideline reporter Natalie Kerwin, "I dominate on the defensive end and then my offense picks up off of that.

"I'm just trying to make up for our brother being down... We're just trying to show everybody we can control the ship till he gets back," Jenkins added.

Following a career night, Jenkins is accomplishing his mission.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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