DETROIT_The Detroit Pistons used a balanced attack to win their fourth out of five games, earning a 112-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
Six Pistons (34-40) scored in double figures, led by Reggie Jackson's 20 points.
For the first time since he returned four games ago after missing 37 games with a severe right ankle sprain, Jackson finished the game, playing the final 9:14.
His jumper with 45.7 seconds left gave the Pistons a 112-103 lead.
In 28 minutes, Jackson was 9-for-22 from the field and added five rebounds and three assists.
Andre Drummond added 15 points, 18 rebounds and made four straight free throws down the stretch when Lakers coach Luke Walton had players intentionally foul Drummond in an attempt to catch up.
Drummond is shooting 61 percent this season from the line, which has discouraged the strategy.
The Pistons, who have eight games remaining, are five games behind the Miami Heat (39-35) for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
The Pistons shot 8-for-19 from 3-point range in the second half.
