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00:00:00Субтитры делал DimaTorzok
00:00:30Nightcap from downtown L.A. inside Crypto.com Arena.
00:00:34Top team from the East taking on the top five team out West.
00:00:38Pistons facing the Lakers.
00:00:40And we say a very happy birthday to LeBron James turning 41 today.
00:00:45Terry Gannon along with Reggie Moore normally puts up big numbers on his birthday.
00:00:50Luka Doncic is putting up big numbers all the time, but they're without Austin Reeves for at least about four weeks now, Reg.
00:00:57And curious comments coming from their head coach, J.J. Reddick, talking about they don't care enough to do the little things necessary about winning.
00:01:05Now, he came out and kind of clarified those comments because that can be interpreted a number of ways.
00:01:11He wants his team to play with one another, not for each other.
00:01:15So I think the Lakers are starting to understand how to play.
00:01:18They had a big win versus Sacramento, but they got a very difficult matchup tonight in Detroit.
00:01:22Oh, they do.
00:01:23It's one of the best stories, most impressive stories this season in the NBA.
00:01:27The Detroit Pistons' top team in the East.
00:01:30Just two years removed from winning 14 games, Reg.
00:01:34And think about that.
00:01:35An NBA record, lost 28 games in a row.
00:01:38Started the season 2-29, but they have two benchmarks.
00:01:41And Cade Cunningham, Jalen Durham, two guys you can build around.
00:01:46So we check out the starting lineups for these two.
00:01:48The matchups tonight here in downtown Los Angeles.
00:01:52Cade Cunningham having a sensational year.
00:01:55Duncan Robinson shooting the threes.
00:01:57Asar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Durant a force in the paint.
00:02:00Luka, Marcus Smart gets the start.
00:02:03LeBron and Jake LaRavia getting a start tonight because Rui Achimura is out injured.
00:02:09Yandre Ayton in the middle.
00:02:11He'll have to be big time tonight against a Pistons team that really takes advantage down low.
00:02:16And think about how do the Pistons win?
00:02:19They dominate the paint.
00:02:20They're big.
00:02:21They dominate the glass.
00:02:23And in terms of points in the paint, between Durham and Cade Cunningham attacking, getting feet in the paint,
00:02:29they just kill you on the boards as well.
00:02:32How long are we going to see this?
00:02:33Oh, man.
00:02:35This is timeless.
00:02:36The birthday boy.
00:02:3723 seasons.
00:02:3941 years young.
00:02:41And, again, you mentioned this at the top.
00:02:44There's a small sample size when he plays on his birthday, averaging 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
00:02:51We may have another LeBron classic tonight.
00:02:54December 30th, that magical date.
00:02:57And averages more than anybody.
00:03:00So, here we go.
00:03:02Just about set.
00:03:03J.B. DeRozan, Jonathan Sterling, and Sheree Mitchell, the officiating crew here, as the Pistons are 24-8, the Lakers 20-10.
00:03:14To me, the key is Asar Thompson.
00:03:16How is he going to guard Luka Doncic?
00:03:19Doncic, the leading scorer in the association at 34 a game.
00:03:24Can they keep him off the foul line as well?
00:03:26Tobias Harris over Aiton inside, so there's that first opportunity to take advantage inside.
00:03:32They do.
00:03:35Lakers dropped three in a row and then bounced back with that win a couple of days ago against Sacramento.
00:03:41And J.J. Redick said he was really pleased with what they did, their energy they brought in that game.
00:03:45There's the pressure out front.
00:03:46You can see that the entire game for the Pistons.
00:03:50Laravia beyond the arc.
00:03:52The shot at a little better as of late.
00:03:54Double figures four of those last five after being in a bit of a slump.
00:03:58Like what Detroit did there on Luka.
00:04:01A hard trap.
00:04:02Getting the ball out of his hands quickly.
00:04:05Pressure down low.
00:04:06Taken away by Smart.
00:04:09Three different times on the all-defensive team in the NBA.
00:04:14High-low tipped away.
00:04:15There's a turnover.
00:04:17Pistons looking to run.
00:04:20Robinson brings it back.
00:04:22Cade Cunningham, his first shot got tipped by Laravia.
00:04:26A nice recovery there by Jake Laravia defensively.
00:04:30You got two guys who absolutely get after you defensively on the floor here for the Lakers in Laravia.
00:04:36Laravia and Marcus Smart.
00:04:38There's that matchup.
00:04:39Thompson trying to stay with Donchich who wanted to foul.
00:04:42Got hit.
00:04:43No call.
00:04:44Second chance.
00:04:44James leaves it.
00:04:46Aiden.
00:04:47Over Thompson to finish.
00:04:53Back in a hurry.
00:04:54Come the Pistons.
00:04:55Looking to run tonight?
00:04:57Absolutely.
00:04:57They're looking to run tonight.
00:04:59That's another one of their keys with this young team on the floor here.
00:05:02Being able to get out in transition.
00:05:04Harris, who's a capable scorer, knocks it down from three-point range.
00:05:12Shooting 33% from three.
00:05:15I think the clock may have stopped.
00:05:17And because Cade Cunningham at 6'4", being that point guard, when he gets in that mid-post area,
00:05:24so difficult to defend.
00:05:25You go down and double.
00:05:28Unselfish passer finds the wide-open Harris for the three.
00:05:32It's a strength as well.
00:05:33And, yeah, he is so strong.
00:05:37A couple of assists already for Cade Cunningham.
00:05:40And what a turnaround.
00:05:41J.B. Bickerstaff has engineered in Detroit.
00:05:44That 14-win season, yeah, a couple of seasons ago.
00:05:47Big steps last year.
00:05:48Lost that playoff to the Knicks.
00:05:51But now this season, 24 wins already.
00:05:56LeBron leaves it.
00:05:57Good look.
00:05:58LeRabia around and in, underneath.
00:06:03Nice move it off the ball there by LeRabia.
00:06:08Thompson tried to get it to Duren, who says, up top, up top.
00:06:13The Pistons kind of get caught ball watching LeRabia with the back cut there and the easy deuce.
00:06:24And I think we'll see a lot of this playmaking by LeBron, especially with Austin Reeves out for another month because of that calf issue.
00:06:32He's got two assists already in the game.
00:06:35Already two steals here for Marcus Smart.
00:06:38James on the run, reverse up and in.
00:06:41Everything he does tonight, they always do.
00:06:43But tonight, they're going to especially love it.
00:06:46And you're going to hear it.
00:06:46And, again, we've got a time issue.
00:06:48Again, the former Defensive Player of the Year here, Marcus Smart.
00:06:57Active hands, deflections, the steal, and it's off to the races for LeBron.
00:07:06Reggie, JJ's got to love JJ Redick, that defensive effort so far, too, from this team.
00:07:10Yeah, something that's been missing here in the month of December.
00:07:12They were fantastic, locked in, 11-2 in November.
00:07:17And then a little snow starts to come down.
00:07:20It's nice and cool here in L.A.
00:07:22In L.A.?
00:07:22Snow.
00:07:23December time.
00:07:24Maybe up in the hills.
00:07:26Big Bear.
00:07:27Yeah, so the clock should not look like that.
00:07:30So they're trying to fix it.
00:07:34No?
00:07:35Yeah, they're having an issue.
00:07:36He's pressing a lot of buttons over there, but nothing is responding.
00:07:39Here we go.
00:07:41Here we go.
00:07:42Now, fingers crossed, right, that it keeps working.
00:07:4920 on the shot clock.
00:07:51Pistons have lost a couple in a row.
00:07:54Close out this road.
00:07:55Oh, no.
00:07:57Went down.
00:07:57Oh, no.
00:07:58Oh, no, he didn't.
00:08:01Come on, Cade.
00:08:02It's too early for all that.
00:08:04That's going to be on everything.
00:08:06Yep.
00:08:07Yes, it will.
00:08:08Oh, no.
00:08:09Yes, he did.
00:08:10Welcome to your Kodak moment, Jake Moravia.
00:08:13Oh, that ain't right.
00:08:14Oh, Jake.
00:08:15That is not right.
00:08:17You're going to say that a few times, I think.
00:08:18You're going to say that a few times.
00:08:20He's going to say that a few times, you're going to say that a few times.
00:08:24That's not right, it's not right.
00:08:26You're going to say that a few times.
00:08:27Субтитры сделал DimaTorzok
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00:09:27Субтитры сделал DimaTorzok
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00:10:3720 years of age what a future this man has huh what a present and think about that that's a
00:10:45Plus when your center
00:10:47Can secure the rebound and go coast to coast and put pressure on your defense
00:10:55Don't Itch over Thompson a bit strong two teammates fighting it
00:11:01Out of bounds. It'll stay here with the Lakers
00:11:03But you talked to JB bigger staff and some of the assistants here
00:11:07They say this road trip, I think you brought it up with him too, brings you together as a team, or it can at least.
00:11:14It's an opportunity.
00:11:15They played seven of the last eight on the road, and this is the last of a five-game road trip.
00:11:20Foul on Cunningham on the box out.
00:11:28We're on trying to get two free throws out of this.
00:11:31He's trying to say it was before it was inbound.
00:11:33JV DeRosa says he didn't have control of the basketball.
00:11:37Step through, and Duran's going to be whistled for the foul, so his first team's second.
00:11:52If there is any knock on Duran, it's his ability to stay on the floor.
00:11:58Gets in foul trouble, easy.
00:12:00Now, the good thing for J.B. Bickerstaff and the Pistons is their backup, Isaiah Stewart, one of the best defenders in the game.
00:12:11You think he's underrated?
00:12:12Oh, I really do.
00:12:13What he does for a team, his athleticism has been around six years, but more so the toughness he brings for that second unit in this Pistons team.
00:12:24Maybe as good as anybody, it's a defensive force in that position in the NBA.
00:12:30So Luka, who averages almost 34 a game, top scorer in the NBA, 80% from the free throw line, gets a pair.
00:12:38Smart trying to work around that screen.
00:12:50Cunningham doesn't give him a chance.
00:12:51Luka clears.
00:12:54Tipped away.
00:12:54Thompson.
00:12:55Look at this full court pressure.
00:12:57Saar Thompson.
00:12:58Up and under, Doncic, no.
00:13:05Duran on the run.
00:13:07Cunningham.
00:13:08Tipped.
00:13:09Back the other way we go.
00:13:11Aiden ahead of the pack.
00:13:12Yes.
00:13:13From Luka.
00:13:17And already we've seen the modern day NBA.
00:13:20When you're two bigs, one, there's a foul there.
00:13:25Look out, I'm smart.
00:13:26But Aiden, for the Lakers, being able to run and finish in the open court,
00:13:31and we saw Jalen Duran and his ability to handle the basketball.
00:13:36Smart now down here.
00:13:39Here's the deflection, the fast break, and look at this pinpoint pass here by Luka.
00:13:46So they continue to work on Marcus Smart.
00:13:48He went down on that last play.
00:13:50He is up and walking.
00:13:51And now he's having words with the Pistons bench here.
00:13:54But something was said to him while he was on the ground.
00:13:58And it looked like that's Jenkins, who's in the middle of it.
00:14:03And Duran talking as well.
00:14:05So it heads back to the huddle right now, see if we can pick this up.
00:14:13Well, yeah, elbow, that left elbow there.
00:14:17Right to the chops of Smart.
00:14:20And I believe there's just been a technical foul call at mid-court.
00:14:30So it is against Marcus Smart.
00:14:35Well, this is exactly what Detroit wants.
00:14:38I mean, this is the type of game.
00:14:39This is the third reincarnation of the bad boys.
00:14:42We saw that with Isaiah and Bill Lambert.
00:14:45And then we saw that in the championship 2004 with Chauncey and Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace.
00:14:51And it kind of worked back then.
00:14:53Yeah, it's working now.
00:14:55I know.
00:14:55This current Pistons group is cut from the same cloth.
00:15:00JB said, that's our identity.
00:15:03That toughness.
00:15:05Blue collar.
00:15:07So Market Smart kind of took the worst end of that with the elbow.
00:15:11And then picks up the foul and the technical foul.
00:15:16I believe Duncan Robinson threw first blood.
00:15:20I think he was wiping off blood there from Marcus Smart.
00:15:26Yeah, it looks like it.
00:15:28All right.
00:15:29Here's what he likes.
00:15:29Let's turn on.
00:15:31Three, two, one.
00:15:34Go.
00:15:34Okay.
00:15:38So 717 left here in the first.
00:15:41One-point Detroit lead.
00:15:42And the officials will sort this out.
00:15:46As that technical was called.
00:15:53But it.
00:15:55It is.
00:15:56A piston-style game.
00:15:58But Market Smart right there with it.
00:16:01He's a throwback.
00:16:03Again, you don't win defensive player of the year without getting your nose.
00:16:07In a few scraps.
00:16:11Congratulations.
00:16:11It's still going to go to the Lakers.
00:16:12In fact, like we say, the Lakers is going to go to the Lakers.
00:16:14The Lakers is going to go to the Lakers.
00:16:15The nightcap here in L.A., crypto.com.
00:16:21And the top team from the east, the Detroit Pistons at 24-8, taking on this top five team
00:16:26out west.
00:16:27The L.A. Lakers, 2010.
00:16:29Great win by Philly in the early game.
00:16:32So, see if this one's a good one.
00:16:33I'll take Terry Gannon, Reggie Miller, Grant Lippman with you.
00:16:36And how did we get here, Reggie Miller?
00:16:38Well, it was a hot start early here by Detroit.
00:16:41Here's the three by Tobias Harris.
00:16:44And Smart with his second steal in this first quarter.
00:16:48And LeBron James on his birthday getting it done.
00:16:51And how about this crossover here by Cade Cunningham on Jake LaRabia knocking down the long three.
00:16:58And once again, in the open court, Doncic to DeAndre Eaton.
00:17:04What a start here by both squads.
00:17:07On LeBron James' 41st birthday.
00:17:10So, we will mention that just a few times tonight.
00:17:12He's had big numbers on his birthday throughout the years.
00:17:16Over 30 points per game on this December 30th.
00:17:19So, a moment ago, Marcus Smart picked up a foul.
00:17:22As he was doing that, he caught an elbow.
00:17:25He got upset.
00:17:25There was a technical foul eventually assessed to Marcus Smart.
00:17:29So, the free throw makes it a two-point game.
00:17:31That flying elbow from Robinson right there caught him first.
00:17:35And not only did he get the elbow, but then there was some chirping over there on the Pistons' bench to Marcus Smart.
00:17:41That kind of got him going a little bit.
00:17:43So, the Pistons, who's lost two in a row on this road trip, it's been a lengthy one.
00:17:48Five games in a row, seven of their last eight.
00:17:52Offensive rebound for the Pistons here.
00:17:55Thompson looking to work over eight in the fadeaway.
00:17:58No, but that's one of the things that Detroit does very well.
00:18:01Crash the glass.
00:18:02And the Lakers, after that good start, 16-6, they started the season, but four and four in their last eight and playing without Austin Reeves for at least four weeks when he'll be reassessed.
00:18:15Smart down to eight and on the block.
00:18:18Four on the shot clock.
00:18:19James swings it.
00:18:20Jake LaRabia getting a start here tonight because Rui Achimura is out.
00:18:26Cade Cunningham on the run to the left hand and good.
00:18:29Sometimes life isn't fair.
00:18:31And when you see Cade Cunningham in the open court with that size and those handles, what a beautiful finish there by the young superstar.
00:18:41Six-six guard doing a little bit of everything for the Pistons.
00:18:45Contact foul, bucket, Luka to the line.
00:18:49He's got seven in the game.
00:18:53Cade Cunningham picks up the foul.
00:18:56Let me hope that I've talked about how was Asar Thompson going to be able to guard Luka.
00:19:04And there's Cade Cunningham again in the open court.
00:19:08But you've got to play Luka almost hands-free because, look, he's going to use your mistakes against you.
00:19:14He's going to feel that and use that, right?
00:19:16Yes.
00:19:18Isaiah Stewart now in off the bench for J.B. Bickerstaff and the Pistons on the floor at the same time as Jalen Durant.
00:19:25Two bigs out there.
00:19:27Vanderbilt on the floor here for the Lakers as well.
00:19:30Well, both coaches going to the bench early here in the first.
00:19:36Cade working his way in the paint.
00:19:39That's what he does.
00:19:39Too easy.
00:19:40Nobody stepped in, Reg.
00:19:43Averaging a career high almost 27 points.
00:19:46Second in the league in assists behind the Joker.
00:19:52He's got eight tonight already.
00:19:56Luka knocks it down for long range.
00:20:0033.7 points per game.
00:20:04Top number in the league.
00:20:05And he's already got 11.
00:20:07Just round up, Terry.
00:20:08He's averaging 34.
00:20:10I'm giving you the exact number, Reg.
00:20:12Boy, that's a good feed, too.
00:20:14Wasn't it?
00:20:14Cunningham to Saar Thompson.
00:20:17Comes off that effort against the Clippers, trying to stop Kawhi Leonard.
00:20:20And what did Kawhi post?
00:20:2355.
00:20:2455, yes.
00:20:27I'm in.
00:20:27His brother gave up 41 earlier in the week to Kawhi.
00:20:31Oh, my goodness.
00:20:32What a lead.
00:20:33What a finish.
00:20:34Stewart at the end from Cunningham.
00:20:36And Cunningham had options.
00:20:38There was about four other Pistons that were wide open.
00:20:42But he wanted to go out in style and found the slashing steward.
00:20:46Detroit 9 of 13 to start.
00:20:49Backdoor cut.
00:20:50Smart.
00:20:51And the contact and the foul on Duncan Robinson.
00:20:54So that's his first in the team's fourth.
00:20:59As we check out the starting lineups brought to you by Kia.
00:21:02So Cunningham, Robinson, Thompson, Harris, and during the familiar starting lineup for Detroit.
00:21:07But Luca, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, Dake LaRavia, the change there for Rui Achimura.
00:21:13Look at all the wide open options.
00:21:15You had Duncan Thompson wide open.
00:21:18He did leave his feet and then decide where to go with it.
00:21:21But it helps when you have a big that can run the floor like both Jalen and Isaiah can do here for Detroit.
00:21:30Jaden Ivey, the fourth-year man out of Purdue, now on the floor for the Pistons.
00:21:35They go deep to the bench.
00:21:38And a team that you talk to everybody on that bench.
00:21:42And they love being around each other.
00:21:45And some teams will say that, but you know it's sincere with them.
00:21:48You can tell.
00:21:48Look, they've had three different training camps last year in Detroit, in Texas, and I believe in Florida.
00:21:56And everyone showed up.
00:21:59Quick rides for Thompson, but Vanderbilt collects the miss.
00:22:02And a lot of that has to do with that disappointing six-game effort loss to the New York Knicks last year.
00:22:13Reach and the foul.
00:22:15Going to get Durant.
00:22:17And that's the second on him.
00:22:20So, gives us a chance to check out tonight's DraftKings king of the court.
00:22:24Who do you like?
00:22:25Cade Cunningham or Luka Doncic?
00:22:27You don't have to answer, Reg.
00:22:28That's a hypothetical.
00:22:29DraftKings, number one sportsbook for live betting.
00:22:32You get in on the action, download the app, and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
00:22:36Well, both know how to stuff the stat sheet.
00:22:40Both are walking double-doubles, at times triple-doubles.
00:22:45So, they changed that foul.
00:22:49It's on Stewart, his first, and Durant's just one foul.
00:22:52One plus one foul.
00:22:54Right now, the Lakers have a young man coming in, and Nick Smith, who has been absolutely special off the bench here for J.J. Redick and the Lakers.
00:23:04And with all the injuries, especially in the backcourt, with AR gone for at least a month with the calf issue, Nick Smith has been a steady influence and guide for J.J. Redick.
00:23:18He had 21 in that win over Sacramento, and he hit five three-pointers in that game.
00:23:23So, at least on that day, Austin Reeves, who you just saw a moment ago, picking up some of the slack for his absence.
00:23:32Vanderbilt with the nice, Jackson Hayes with the nice steal.
00:23:37To the corner, trying to keep it going.
00:23:40Ron Holland, who just came off the bench with the rebound, starts the break.
00:23:45Cunningham floats.
00:23:47I mean, how do you stop that?
00:23:48You're going left, shooting back right, and oh, by the way, you're shooting over a 7-1 center.
00:23:55Yeah.
00:23:55I mean, 10 early points here for Cade Cunningham.
00:24:00Who was an all-star last year, and he's heading back this year.
00:24:04Smith to miss.
00:24:04He's 0-4-2 since coming in.
00:24:06And the guy with the basketball will be joining us.
00:24:10Jalen Durham.
00:24:12Somehow that pass gets to Isaiah Stewart from Cunningham.
00:24:15And let's not forget about the assists already.
00:24:19Five assists for Cunningham again.
00:24:23Second in the league in assists behind Doncic.
00:24:28Lakers swing it.
00:24:29Good ball movement.
00:24:30Doncic.
00:24:31Nope.
00:24:33Tipped out.
00:24:33They get it back.
00:24:34Vanderbilt.
00:24:37Luka on the run.
00:24:39Right past Jalen Durham.
00:24:41And a timeout taken.
00:24:45Two-point lead for the Pistons on the road here in downtown L.A.
00:24:53LeBron 20 or 21 when I did the Father of Time commercial thing.
00:24:58I'm, you know, I'm in a battle with him.
00:25:01And I would like to say that I'm kicking his ass in the back nine.
00:25:05Quote, quote, quote, brought to you by Liberty Mutual Insurance.
00:25:11Well said.
00:25:1282 active players born after his debut in the NBA, including Ronnie James.
00:25:17Right?
00:25:18He's one of those 82.
00:25:20And, again, coming back from that sciatica back issue, you knew he would get off to a slow start.
00:25:26But if you talk about his last eight ball games, averaging 25 points, shooting 56% from the field.
00:25:33I mean, that's 31-year-old LeBron numbers.
00:25:36Yeah, the numbers are definitely up.
00:25:38Keep pointer three.
00:25:39Holland on this.
00:25:41Get it right back.
00:25:42Ivy.
00:25:44Oh!
00:25:44One hand foul.
00:25:45Oh!
00:25:46Demonte Green, who just came into the cave.
00:25:51That's my arm is sore.
00:25:53Am I hitting it?
00:25:53Oh!
00:25:54Now watch how this second unit defensively gets after the Lakers here.
00:26:00This is what separates Detroit from a lot of teams in the Eastern Conference.
00:26:06It's been their second unit.
00:26:08A little fade away.
00:26:09Along the baseline, James.
00:26:11Got it.
00:26:13Still looks the same in year 23.
00:26:15That shot.
00:26:17Marcus Sasser also in off a very deep bench for J.B. Bickerstaff.
00:26:22And an offensive foul.
00:26:25Going to give it back to the Lakers.
00:26:28Here's the putback here by Green with the left hand flying in from nowhere.
00:26:35Some things are like a good vintage wine, Terry.
00:26:39That fade away by LeBron.
00:26:41Let me ask you, if he's on the back nine, Tiger's got to be on the back nine as well, right?
00:26:45Happy birthday to Eldrick, right?
00:26:48Yes.
00:26:48Fifty years of AIDS today, Tiger Woods as well.
00:26:53Hayes got there before Stewart.
00:26:56Ron now with three assists here.
00:27:00Well, along with his four points.
00:27:02Good to see Jackson Hayes back in.
00:27:04Had that ankle injury.
00:27:05So, part of the rotation tonight.
00:27:08Ron Holland.
00:27:09On the run.
00:27:09A little bit too quick, but they're going to whistle Vanderbilt with the pole.
00:27:12That's his first.
00:27:22Holland has been one of those players in his second year.
00:27:26You talk about growth.
00:27:27Yeah, that's definitely a pull down there from the shoulder there from Vanderbilt.
00:27:37Maxi Kleba also on the floor for the Lakers right now as Holland, an 80% free throw shooter, goes to the line.
00:27:43Grant Liffman, do you have more?
00:27:49Yeah, I asked Nick Smith Jr. earlier at Shootaround what it's like playing with 41-year-old LeBron as he's sharing the court with him right now.
00:27:56And he said, Nick said it's crazy because he just saw on his mom's Facebook a photo of himself at a Cavs game watching LeBron when he was three or four years old, guys.
00:28:05We're at that point, aren't we?
00:28:08We are.
00:28:08We are.
00:28:09We are there.
00:28:10Look, I was fortunate enough.
00:28:13My last year in the league, LeBron's rookie year.
00:28:16So, I did play against LeBron for a...
00:28:19We've got 40% video to prove it.
00:28:21So, they say, look, here's the steal here by Sasser.
00:28:24Dives to the floor, saves it.
00:28:26What a hustle play.
00:28:27Look at this.
00:28:28And the bucket.
00:28:30The second unit.
00:28:31They're a bunch of ball hawks.
00:28:34And delay a game by Detroit.
00:28:38Look how they're picking up here.
00:28:41I mean, act of hands.
00:28:43There's a deflection first to the floor.
00:28:47It's time to eat.
00:28:49Reggie, we talked about them being effective in the paint.
00:28:51They've got 22 points in the paint.
00:28:53And another steal.
00:28:55And deflection there, this time by Javante Green.
00:28:57I mean, this is the formula for Detroit, what's allowed them to go 24-8.
00:29:02Look, this is the formula for a team in OKC, how they won a championship.
00:29:08They have a strong starting five, but it's the second unit for OKC that separates them.
00:29:13And we are seeing that here with the Pistons.
00:29:16That's going to bring it over and back.
00:29:18We mentioned it.
00:29:24Oh, man.
00:29:25There it is.
00:29:26Is he going by you?
00:29:27Play some defense.
00:29:28I'm 38-39 right here.
00:29:31LeBron isn't supposed to go by me.
00:29:33My goodness.
00:29:34You came back with a three.
00:29:35I mean, come on.
00:29:36Pre-game hug.
00:29:38We'll see.
00:29:39He's a cyclist now, too.
00:29:41He has a partnership with Canyon Cycling.
00:29:44And I told him it's time to get the bikes dirty now.
00:29:46Let's go.
00:29:47He didn't ride today, did you?
00:29:48No.
00:29:49No, not today.
00:29:50I did.
00:29:52Strong inside.
00:29:53LeBron will go to the free throw line.
00:29:56Final line, the 31-1.
00:29:57Javante Green picks up his first.
00:30:01LeBron James.
00:30:03What is the chance?
00:30:04Let me ask you, though.
00:30:05Let me pick your break.
00:30:06Because physical, we know how he takes care of his body.
00:30:09Yes.
00:30:09But the mental aspect of it, 23 years of that challenge, and you take it personally, everything
00:30:16you do on the basketball court, what is that like to continue to do that?
00:30:21Well, you mentioned this, and he's come out and said this himself.
00:30:24He spends well over a million, a million and a half on body maintenance, number one.
00:30:29So, you know his body is going to be straight.
00:30:31But how do you train the mind each and every season, not only to play 82 games, but you're
00:30:37always one of the leading vote-getters.
00:30:40That means you're going to have to play in all-star games.
00:30:41And then the mental grind come playoff times.
00:30:46Yeah.
00:30:46Think about this.
00:30:47This man has been in 10 NBA finals.
00:30:49Think about all the extra games and mileage and minutes being put on that body.
00:30:55You've got to be strong mentally.
00:30:56But he does enjoy playing on his birthday, as you saw from the graphic, nearly 33 points
00:31:00a game.
00:31:01Sasser, oh, long distance, not just defensively, but offensively, too.
00:31:05And they could use that, because that is the one aspect of the Pistons that you have a
00:31:10little worried down there.
00:31:11Maybe there is a weak league.
00:31:13I wish they had better shooting.
00:31:15And Max and Cleaver should have stayed in the corner there.
00:31:22And a lot of things you can get away with as Sasser lets it go.
00:31:26to end this quarter during the regular season, but maybe not in the playoffs.
00:31:31We will see.
00:31:3363% in this opening one to take a six-point lead.
00:31:43Report as we once again join Grant.
00:31:45Two weeks ago, Pistons star Cade Cunningham made a special visit to his hometown in Arlington,
00:31:51Texas, for his high school basketball jersey retirement ceremony.
00:31:56Cade played at Bowie High School from 2016 to 18 before transferring to Montverdee Academy
00:32:00in Florida.
00:32:01His jersey number two is the same number he has worn his whole life, including the NBA.
00:32:06Cade was joined by his Pistons teammates in his former high school gym to watch his jersey
00:32:10race the rafters.
00:32:12It's a cool honor going back to his roots for a blossoming stars, guys.
00:32:15It's always great to see that.
00:32:17We've seen a couple of NBA players this year go back and be honored at the jersey retired.
00:32:21Pretty cool.
00:32:23Nistons up by six to start this second quarter.
00:32:26Cunningham on the spin.
00:32:28Smart tried to draw the offensive foul.
00:32:30Didn't get it.
00:32:30Five or six years ago, Marcus Smart probably would have got that call, but embellished a little
00:32:39bit too much on the offensive foul there.
00:32:43Yeah.
00:32:44Uh-oh.
00:32:44Is that green that is down?
00:32:46Down.
00:32:48Still down.
00:32:50Again.
00:32:51It's the second unit plus Cade here to start the second.
00:32:55And there's the push there, the shoulder by Smart, right into the chest there of green.
00:33:07That's the second on Marcus Smart.
00:33:10And the success of the Pistons, too, as well as they've been playing.
00:33:15Well, Jay Neiby, who missed the last 49 games last season with that fracture fibula,
00:33:20I think missed the first 14 or 15 games this year, had a scope on his knee.
00:33:24He's on a minutes restriction.
00:33:27So he's only playing 19, 20 minutes.
00:33:30Not quite 20 minutes a game.
00:33:31Yeah.
00:33:32So, you know, once he gets his rhythm, I mean, that's going to add another dimension for this
00:33:39Detroit team.
00:33:41So the foul was picked up by Marcus Smart.
00:33:47And that is three now on Smart.
00:33:49So two in the span of two possessions.
00:33:52Cunningham around the screen just kind of bites his tongue.
00:33:57Plays at his own pace, doesn't he?
00:34:00Change of pace, change of direction.
00:34:02As a guard back in the day at NCC, that's the first thing that, what, head coaches really
00:34:08tell their point guards.
00:34:09Being able to change your direction and speed at will to keep the defense off balance.
00:34:15That's exactly what Cade's able to do.
00:34:18Checks in the mail.
00:34:19One mention, a show.
00:34:21Out of bounds.
00:34:22And going to go back to the Pistons.
00:34:24So another turnover.
00:34:25And that lead up to 10.
00:34:28It's been a frustrating night so far for the Lakers.
00:34:32Defensively in the paint as Nick Smith Jr. comes back on.
00:34:35I mean, 86%.
00:34:3712 of 14 Detroit in the paint.
00:34:39It's where they live.
00:34:40And I'm not sure the Lakers have an answer.
00:34:42And again, primary of the scoring is coming from Luka, who's on the bench with those 13 points.
00:34:49No answer there for Stewart.
00:34:52When he got the pass from Cunningham, he couldn't believe, I think, how wide open it was.
00:34:56Well, that's been a point of talk here in L.A.
00:35:00Is teams just feasting on the Lakers in terms of points in the paint.
00:35:05Yep, that's across the arm there by Holland.
00:35:07Got him on the reach.
00:35:09I mean, oh, oh.
00:35:11Already, Detroit, 28 points in the paint.
00:35:16Look how high that screen is.
00:35:18Rolls all the way down.
00:35:20There's not even any black jerseys.
00:35:21Look, that's a swipe.
00:35:22No one even touches Stewart on his way to that finish.
00:35:2628 points in the paint already.
00:35:31Think about this.
00:35:32This team averages 58 points in the paint.
00:35:37Andre Aiden a little bit strong.
00:35:39Ball hits the deck.
00:35:40Eventually, Cunningham comes up with it behind the back a couple of times.
00:35:44On the run.
00:35:45Just a little dish.
00:35:46A lead for Stewart.
00:35:48He'll go to the free throw line.
00:35:49And they rally around Cade because he is so unselfish.
00:35:53See everyone dapping up one another.
00:35:55There's the number I mentioned, 58.
00:35:59Look at this.
00:35:59This is how dominant they are in terms of that paint.
00:36:03Rebounds.
00:36:04That's second behind Houston.
00:36:05Offensive rebounds.
00:36:06We've seen that.
00:36:07It's been on full display tonight.
00:36:09And Isaiah Stewart, I talked about this before he got in.
00:36:12And how he can control the action on this second unit.
00:36:16He sets good screens.
00:36:18He rolls hard.
00:36:19He can finish around the rim.
00:36:23Stewart, the free throw.
00:36:24We do get word Tobias Harris, who we saw, leave the court earlier.
00:36:27Earlier, I think it was a hand injury.
00:36:29It will not return.
00:36:35This team is so deep.
00:36:37You'll probably see more of Ron Holland.
00:36:42We've already seen.
00:36:45Sasser coming to knock down a three.
00:36:47So, you know, J.B.
00:36:48Perkins, if he does like to play small as well, too.
00:36:51Holland can play anyone from point guard down to power forward.
00:36:57So, J.J. Redick will call timeout, talk things over here.
00:37:04Down a bunch.
00:37:04The turnaround for this proud franchise, really remarkable.
00:37:08Two seasons ago, worst record in the NBA, that 28-game losing streak last year.
00:37:15That's how good they were in the previous season.
00:37:18Only team in NBA history, non-shortened season, to do something like that.
00:37:21And then the second-best record in the NBA behind OKC this season.
00:37:26And if you talk to Picker's staff, the assistants, they say it's in part because of what happened two years ago
00:37:33that they are this team now.
00:37:35Also, T, you've got to give a lot of credit.
00:37:39That's a nice shot there by the Arabia couldn't get done.
00:37:42So, Trajan Lincoln, second season's president of basketball operation.
00:37:47You know, it was his pick.
00:37:50Ron Holland was his first pick in that role.
00:37:57Tipped out scramble.
00:37:58He's going to go back to the Lakers.
00:38:00J.B. Biggerstaff, he comes in, and he gives them an identity because he knew he wanted them
00:38:08to start at the defensive end first.
00:38:10So, you go off and you get Holland.
00:38:12Azura Stewart, who's been here for six years.
00:38:15Through the losing, he's a defensive-minded guy.
00:38:19Duren, Cade Cunningham.
00:38:22Ivy gets after you defensively.
00:38:24So, they've started at the defensive end, and that's why I say this is the bad boys 3.0
00:38:29because they understand the lineage and the history of the Pistons.
00:38:36Leading candidate coach of the year?
00:38:38Absolutely.
00:38:38Right now, he's the frontrunner.
00:38:40Stewart picked up his third, so I say it goes to the bench.
00:38:43Jalen Duren, starter, comes back in.
00:38:46But I can't stress enough how disappointing that series was last year
00:38:51versus New York for these Pistons.
00:38:55In what they believe they could have, if not should have won.
00:38:58Absolutely.
00:38:59James poses at the end.
00:39:05So, LeBron and Luka on the floor together.
00:39:07J.J. Redick with this rotation.
00:39:10After Austin Reeves went out, said they won't be on the floor as much together.
00:39:15Foul at this end, Holland, he wants to know what he did.
00:39:20Hooked that leg out.
00:39:21LeBron picks up.
00:39:22That's what he did.
00:39:24Luka and LeBron, 21 of the 33 Lakers points here.
00:39:29Foul at the moment ago, ended in 8-0-1.
00:39:34Luka on the spin, steps back, buys it.
00:39:38So, now it's my turn, your turn.
00:39:42Quick three by LeBron, who gets the assist just there to Luka.
00:39:4715 in the game for Luka Doncic.
00:39:50Dern presses the issue, will go to the line.
00:39:53So, Aiden picks up his second.
00:40:01How about this man?
00:40:06I mean, this, I don't know that there are any stronger individuals in the game today than this man at the line.
00:40:11Man, child.
00:40:14And I love how he has expanded his game because he even mentioned this.
00:40:19When he first came in, people just thought he was a pick-and-roll guy and alley-oop guy.
00:40:24But we've seen his full game on display.
00:40:27Check out the Peacock performance view.
00:40:30A whole new way to watch with real-time player stats, live shot data that updates with every basket.
00:40:35Available now only on Peacock.
00:40:38Now, is that performance view, does that extend to us as well?
00:40:44I mean, is there something on top of us that...
00:40:46I didn't see our names.
00:40:47No, we are unheralded.
00:40:49Unheralded.
00:40:50We don't get any love over here.
00:40:52I know.
00:40:52You get the out-of-camera.
00:40:55The Ravia.
00:40:57Luca on the block.
00:40:59Holland gets the assignment.
00:41:01And the ball.
00:41:04Didn't get it to go, but we'll go to the line.
00:41:10It's three on Holland here.
00:41:12And when I say when you play Luca, you've got to keep your hands back.
00:41:17That's just easy money.
00:41:18We've seen Harden get that.
00:41:19And now, Luca, any time he sees your hands extended, he's just going to force the contact.
00:41:28You've got to play defense with your chest when you're playing against Luca and James Harden.
00:41:35Speaking of which, how about what the Clippers have done since we saw him last?
00:41:38On a roll.
00:41:40Four-game winning streak.
00:41:42And Kawhi Leonard, my goodness.
00:41:44You mentioned that he gave the Thompson Twins 96 points this week.
00:41:4955 for Asar and 41 for him in.
00:41:55Yep.
00:41:56Back to back.
00:41:57Yep.
00:41:58Brooke Lopez inserted into that starting lineup as Zubats now out.
00:42:02Maybe just changing the way they play a bit.
00:42:05Yeah, what?
00:42:06Brooke Lopez now in the starting lineup.
00:42:09Maybe that opens it up because he's stretched big.
00:42:12Yeah.
00:42:12LeBron lost it right in front of the bench.
00:42:18Nate McMillan still got the handle.
00:42:23Assistant coach over there.
00:42:24So, under eight minutes here in the second.
00:42:31It's been Pistons since the start.
00:42:34That lead is 11.
00:42:36Thompson got Vanderbilt in the air.
00:42:39They'll go to the free throw line.
00:42:40I mean, operating without the ball.
00:42:44He's as good as anybody on this team.
00:42:47The way he's able to find those gaps in the defense.
00:42:52And him along with his brother who plays for the Houston Rockets, I think they're only scratching the surface of their potential.
00:43:02You heard Jalen Duren talk about Sir Thompson in terms of defense.
00:43:08And he's going to be a perennial first or second team all defender in years to come.
00:43:13But this is his Achilles heel.
00:43:1556% is the free throw line.
00:43:17Yes.
00:43:19Amundsen back in as we check out the upcoming national TV schedule.
00:43:23NBA TV tomorrow night.
00:43:24Golden State, Charlotte, Phoenix, Cleveland, New York, and the Spurs.
00:43:27Prime video Friday.
00:43:29Denver.
00:43:29What is Denver going to do?
00:43:30Cleveland, OKC, and Golden State.
00:43:32You can go to NBA.com.
00:43:34Visit the NBA app for more.
00:43:36Denver, the big fella going down out at least a month with a hyperextended knee.
00:43:42Four of the five starters for the Nuggets out with injuries.
00:43:50Initially, at least it's better than initially thought.
00:43:53The hyperextended knee.
00:43:56So, Luka and LeBron on the floor together.
00:44:00See if they can lead a charge here.
00:44:02Under five on the shot clock.
00:44:03James has got to fire that up and catch it.
00:44:06Deep corner, LeBron.
00:44:07LeBron has his birthday legs.
00:44:09You can already tell there's a little pep to his step here.
00:44:13LeBron now in double figures with 11.
00:44:16Hunting hand to Duren.
00:44:18Had it knocked out.
00:44:19Who's it off of?
00:44:22Off of the Pistons.
00:44:23Lakers basketball.
00:44:24No argument from Duren.
00:44:30Here comes Donchich.
00:44:31Steps back.
00:44:32Three.
00:44:34Boy, high end of the air.
00:44:35Green for the rebound.
00:44:36Duren ahead of the pack.
00:44:37Forget it.
00:44:40Vision from Cunningham to catch it.
00:44:42A little touch pass there by Cunningham.
00:44:45Already with eight assists here in this first half.
00:44:48Those two very close as well.
00:44:51And so effective.
00:44:53They're on a camping fishing trip together.
00:44:57LeRavia looking for some space.
00:45:00Finds it.
00:45:04So the lead back to nine for Detroit.
00:45:07Cunningham hesitates.
00:45:08Blows right by to the baseline.
00:45:11Left hand reverse.
00:45:12When he wants to go, he can go.
00:45:21Donchich trying to answer.
00:45:23Yep.
00:45:2415-footer baseline over Thompson.
00:45:27Yeah, but you see how he just cleared space with that off tan.
00:45:31Are you saying legally or illegally?
00:45:32Legally.
00:45:33Okay.
00:45:35Back and forth.
00:45:36Bucket and the foul.
00:45:39Duncan Robinson.
00:45:39See, that's his first field goal.
00:45:43And that's a crime.
00:45:44Because as good as a shooter as Duncan Robinson is,
00:45:48this is one part of his game that he's really worked on.
00:45:51In Miami, he was strictly a catch-and-shoot player.
00:45:55Now he's had the ability to put the ball on the deck.
00:45:57He can put him in screen roles.
00:45:59But he should have at least six or seven looks at the rim thus far.
00:46:05Because he's too good of a shooter.
00:46:06Think about Malik Beasley in his role just a year ago.
00:46:09This is the reason why this Detroit team was so good.
00:46:12You can argue they missed that.
00:46:13Yes.
00:46:13They need those threes from him.
00:46:15And this is the man who is the all-time leading three-point shooter in Miami Heat.
00:46:20He's had a bunch of games, 21 games with three plus three corners.
00:46:25But you're right.
00:46:26That's got to be part of their offense.
00:46:28Because the other parts there, they're shooting 69% because of all those points in the paint.
00:46:3334 of them.
00:46:37Don't you talk to the devil.
00:46:38Hayes.
00:46:39Nice work.
00:46:40Vanderbilt with the flush.
00:46:42Good touch pass there by Hayes.
00:46:44Duran just knocked him to the ground.
00:46:52Or at least the effect of.
00:46:54It's going to be number two on Duran.
00:46:56Oh, yeah.
00:47:02That's an easy call.
00:47:04Yeah.
00:47:05No.
00:47:05He's wanting to review.
00:47:07Here's the problem for the Lakers.
00:47:09Because you have both Jackson Hayes and Jared Vanderbilt on the floor.
00:47:16Two non-scores and shooters.
00:47:20So look how the defense crunches up here.
00:47:23LeBron to the bench.
00:47:25Nick Smith Jr., the other shooter or scorer out there right now.
00:47:30Lucas spins.
00:47:32Thompson recovers.
00:47:33But there's the foul end.
00:47:34It's very much what you're talking about.
00:47:39How frustrating that has to be as a defender.
00:47:42With this lineup on the floor for the Lakers.
00:47:43I would run and get the ball out of Lucas' hands every time.
00:47:48And any one of those other four, I would pay them to make a bucket.
00:47:54Second on Thompson.
00:47:55Fourth team foul.
00:47:56Shooting the rest of the way.
00:47:57Both teams are.
00:48:03That goes in.
00:48:04We remind you from the network that brought you the office and Parks and Rec.
00:48:09Comes an all-new episode of TV's feel-better comedy, St. Dennis Medical.
00:48:13Comes your way Monday on NBC and Peacock.
00:48:19We doing anything Monday?
00:48:22Chilling.
00:48:23Okay.
00:48:24We are doing something Monday.
00:48:26I was going to say, what are you talking about?
00:48:27You're not going to join me?
00:48:29Of course.
00:48:30We'll talk about it.
00:48:31How excited are we?
00:48:33How lucky are we to be joined by you-know-who?
00:48:37It's called a tease.
00:48:38Yep.
00:48:39Didn't business.
00:48:40Sasser falling down high off the glass.
00:48:44Finding a way.
00:48:47Third-year man out of Houston.
00:48:48And they're shooting 70%.
00:48:52Scramble.
00:48:54Corner.
00:48:54Larabia strong.
00:48:56Hayes with the rebound.
00:48:57Behind the back to Jake.
00:49:00Donchich up top.
00:49:01A little bit off on that.
00:49:04Thompson on the run.
00:49:05Gives it up.
00:49:06Green.
00:49:06Off the glass and in.
00:49:07They just make you pay.
00:49:08Did you see how fast, coast-to-coast, Thompson was?
00:49:12After coming up with that loose ball.
00:49:1814-4.
00:49:19The advantage in terms of fast break points tonight for Detroit.
00:49:23Yep.
00:49:24Long one from the corner.
00:49:26Vanderbilt.
00:49:27But I would live with that.
00:49:28He's going to have to continue to knock that down.
00:49:32I'm getting the ball out of Donchich's hands.
00:49:37Figured, why not?
00:49:38Duran with the miss.
00:49:39But another chance.
00:49:40Thompson lays it in strong.
00:49:43They're relentless on the glass as well.
00:49:46Well, they're relentless in the paint.
00:49:48They're up to 38 points in the paint.
00:49:51And we've got a little under four minutes left here in the first half.
00:49:55No look to Hayes from Luca.
00:50:01More of that needed for the Lakers to keep pace here.
00:50:03Duran got offensive foul on Robinson.
00:50:11Yeah, it is.
00:50:11The contact that happened was because of Robinson.
00:50:15Are they going to call that on Duran?
00:50:17I thought it was on Robinson.
00:50:20Yeah, it's got to be.
00:50:20No, I think they're going to call it on Jalen Durham right there.
00:50:24Oh, yeah.
00:50:25Oh, yeah.
00:50:25With the elbow to the head.
00:50:27Yep.
00:50:27Yep.
00:50:28Excellent call there by the official.
00:50:32Yeah.
00:50:33So the ninth Detroit turnover, are they going to take a look, see if it's a flagrant?
00:50:48He might be a little deep.
00:50:49On Duran is being reviewed to see if it meets the criteria for a flagrant foul.
00:50:53And they are if you weren't with us, Marcus Smart took an elbow earlier in the game and was actually a whistle for the foul on that play.
00:51:04And now the swing in the elbow here.
00:51:07Oh, yeah.
00:51:08I think that's going to be upgraded.
00:51:09Yep.
00:51:12Because he did not have to lead with it.
00:51:16Yeah.
00:51:18I would be surprised.
00:51:21But I will say one thing.
00:51:22Look at Luka right here.
00:51:24It's okay, Luka, to move your feet a little bit over and help out.
00:51:30What does he do?
00:51:31He just throws up his hand.
00:51:32See, this is this would be frustrating for me, especially from one of your leaders on this team.
00:51:41An all-star.
00:51:42More than that.
00:51:43One of the superstars in the league.
00:51:45And I love Luka.
00:51:46He's great for our game.
00:51:48The leading vote-getter in the early results right now, right?
00:51:51But you've got to be better defensively.
00:51:57I mean, that's the Lakers season right there.
00:52:03And much has been talked about, their defensive woes.
00:52:06And we saw it on Christmas Day as well.
00:52:08K.J. Redick loved the energy.
00:52:10Look at it.
00:52:10Look at this play right here.
00:52:11Look at, look at Luka right here.
00:52:17I mean, he doesn't even move one step.
00:52:21Make him throw the ball to Javonte Green and knock down a three.
00:52:25After review, the play has been upgraded to a flag of foul penalty one for the swinging and impact of the elbow by Durant to LaRavia.
00:52:37LaRavia will shoot two free throws, and L.A. will receive the ball on the front court with 24 seconds on the shot clock.
00:52:41Yeah, as we thought, so upgraded on that elbow to the head, starting to get in a bit of foul trouble here, too.
00:52:54The Pistons, that's three on Durant, and Isaiah Stewart's got three on Holland, also with three in the game.
00:53:01And if there's one Achilles heel for Jalen Durant, he gets in too much and too early a foul trouble for Detroit.
00:53:18But again, they have a reliable backup in Isaiah Stewart, but you want him on the floor.
00:53:23Durant goes to the bench.
00:53:25Paul Reed, the sixth-year man out of DePaul, now in for Detroit.
00:53:31And if you are the Lakers and you've trailed this entire first half, you're saying,
00:53:42hey, we go to the break and we're down a handful of points, you're feeling okay.
00:53:47Now you're down a handful of points.
00:53:50Detroit shooting 70% from the field, 50 from three, and yet you're only down seven with the ball.
00:53:58Exactly.
00:53:59Yep.
00:54:01So LeBron with 11 in this game on his 41st birthday.
00:54:0619 for Luka.
00:54:07Those two stars leading the charge for the Lakers.
00:54:12Pass inside right through the hands of Hayes.
00:54:18Quick swing.
00:54:19Sasser right in front of the bench.
00:54:22Three ball.
00:54:22What a lift off the bench here by Marcus Sasser.
00:54:26Eight points here.
00:54:27Two threes.
00:54:29Average defense.
00:54:30Less than two points a game, Rich.
00:54:34Cunningham on the reach.
00:54:36LeBron off the board.
00:54:37We'll go to the line.
00:54:38That's two on Cunningham.
00:54:40And he knew it.
00:54:40Look how he extends his hands out.
00:54:45And LeBron James with those 21-year experience right there.
00:54:51And put it in the wheelhouse, automatically goes up.
00:54:56A little bit shy on this one, James.
00:55:0667%.
00:55:06Missed all those games, though, early on.
00:55:10Worked his way back.
00:55:11And the numbers, as you mentioned, have gone way up offensively as of late.
00:55:15Oh, wow.
00:55:17Missed the first two here.
00:55:23Certainly he wouldn't do a hat trick, right?
00:55:27A little pressure feeling it right now.
00:55:28Have to mention, too.
00:55:30There's no way.
00:55:31Not on his birthday.
00:55:33Okay.
00:55:34That was a reverse jinx.
00:55:36Is that what you were doing?
00:55:38I said.
00:55:38I jinxed him, and then I threw in the reverse jinx.
00:55:41I got you.
00:55:42Marcus Sasser put the handle out front.
00:55:45Been really good off the bench today.
00:55:49Cunningham always really good for the Pistons.
00:55:52I mean, just manhandles it.
00:55:54Just forces it inside.
00:55:5618-8 here in the first half for Cunningham.
00:56:01Trying to stop LeBron now.
00:56:06Skip pass.
00:56:07Deep corner.
00:56:09Yep.
00:56:09Had a big man bearing one.
00:56:11Jared Vanderbilt this time.
00:56:12And he has shot the ball from three.
00:56:15Pretty good lately, but I would still continue to force him to do it.
00:56:21Reed took a step.
00:56:23Lost it.
00:56:24Got it back.
00:56:25Vanderbilt high into the air for the rebound.
00:56:29Donchett's thought he had LeBron.
00:56:30Now he finds him.
00:56:31Another chance.
00:56:35Smith gets the roll.
00:56:39Here come the Lakers.
00:56:41Working their way back down six.
00:56:44Two possession game here.
00:56:47Under two minutes until the break.
00:56:52Thompson.
00:56:53Hayes comes over to help, so he finds his teammate Reed.
00:56:56He made the foul and one.
00:57:10Birthday time, Reg.
00:57:12Time to go to work.
00:57:13He's used to that.
00:57:14Putting up buckets on his birthday again.
00:57:16J.J. Reddick and his team.
00:57:22A little comeback here.
00:57:23Under two minutes as we approach halftime.
00:57:25But had those comments after that Christmas Day loss.
00:57:29Loss.
00:57:30And he tried to light a fire.
00:57:31Said Saturday's practice was not going to be comfortable.
00:57:34Said we don't care enough at times.
00:57:35We talked to him before the game.
00:57:37He didn't walk it back, but he explained it a little bit more to us.
00:57:40And as a player, you knew what he was talking about.
00:57:42Yeah.
00:57:43And, you know, we don't care enough.
00:57:45We don't care enough to do the little things necessary to win ballgames.
00:57:49And he wanted to clarify those comments in terms of he wanted his team to play with one another.
00:57:57Not for one another.
00:57:59Make the extra pass.
00:58:01The boxing out.
00:58:02And I think they got the message in that Sacramento game.
00:58:06But let's face it at Sacramento.
00:58:08Right now, he's got the leaders of the Eastern Conference Pistons.
00:58:12And it's a dangerous time right now.
00:58:14Cunningham with style and authority.
00:58:19What a first half here by Cade.
00:58:22So they cut that lead.
00:58:24But now the answer from Detroit.
00:58:26Last two possessions.
00:58:27And they're shooting 71%.
00:58:29On the floor.
00:58:31And by the way, you know, Cade remembers two years ago.
00:58:35Yep.
00:58:36You know, when they started the season 2-29, losing 28 in a row.
00:58:43Shot clock running out.
00:58:44Step one way.
00:58:45I don't know how he did that.
00:58:47Football-wise.
00:58:48Don't know how he did that.
00:58:49He's got 15 in the game.
00:58:53Year 23.
00:58:55Yep.
00:58:56Okay.
00:58:56Robinson bounce pass.
00:59:01Read.
00:59:01Big girl step.
00:59:03Nope.
00:59:03Donchich.
00:59:04And they're going to get Thompson on the reach.
00:59:06That's a bad foul there by Thompson.
00:59:08Now you have three.
00:59:10And you send Luka to the free throw line.
00:59:13About 80 feet.
00:59:17As good as your defense is.
00:59:19Get back.
00:59:20That's just a silly foul.
00:59:23Look at the footwork here.
00:59:25By James.
00:59:27A little sidestep.
00:59:28Kept that left foot as his pivot foot.
00:59:31The flyby by Robinson.
00:59:34The splash by LeBron.
00:59:36That foul a moment ago is one of those that just drive you crazy as a coach, won't it?
00:59:41Because you'll give up the fouls, especially the style that Detroit plays.
00:59:47And if some are called, fine.
00:59:48But that, there wasn't much use to that.
00:59:52And what's keeping the Lakers in this ballgame?
00:59:56This is going to be their 20th free throw in this first half.
00:59:59This is going to be their 20th free throw line.
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