The Milwaukee Bucks showcased their dominance with a decisive 128-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons, securing their spot in the NBA Cup and remaining undefeated in the tournament.
Damian Lillard ignited the game with a strong start but the Pistons quickly responded with an 8-0 run, taking advantage of several turnovers by the Bucks. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo soon took command, scoring nine points and complementing Lillard’s 12. This effort allowed the Bucks to hold a narrow 36-31 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter marked a turning point for Milwaukee, as their exceptional 3-point shooting took center stage. Players like Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., and AJ Green each contributed with two 3-pointers, helping the team to an impressive first-half record of 15 out of 21 from beyond the arc. By halftime, the Bucks had established a 78-59 lead.
In the third quarter, Doc Rivers directed the offense towards Giannis once again, and he did not disappoint, quickly reaching the century mark with six minutes left in the period. Milwaukee’s overwhelming performance left the Pistons unable to mount a comeback, as the Bucks went into the fourth quarter with a commanding 110-88 edge.
The final quarter played out smoothly for the Bucks, whose superior 3-point shooting left little room for a Detroit resurgence. Milwaukee sealed the game with their final score of 128-107.
A standout statistic from the contest was the Bucks’ first-half performance, which not only set the tone for the game but also resulted in their highest scoring half of the season with 78 points and a record 15 made 3-pointers. Overall, Milwaukee ended the night with 23 3-pointers, marking a new season-high.
This game reflects the Bucks’ potential, emphasizing their impressive shooting abilities and teamwork. With the NBA Cup underway, their performance has certainly set a positive tone for the rest of their campaign, showcasing their readiness to compete at the highest level.