Wednesday, the Detroit Pistons took on the Milwaukee Bucks in hopes of defeating them for the first time this season. This is the third time the two groups have faced off this year. Unfortunately, for the Pistons, they came up just short of a win, resulting in a 110-101 loss at home.
The Pistons (2-9) put in a great effort and came the closest they have this season to beat the Bucks so far. They only trailed by 9 points, as opposed to when they lost by 10 in the first match and 15 in the second. Milwaukee (8-4) has been on the rise all season and is now ranked 2nd in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Celtics. The Pistons are now ranked last in the Eastern Conference after last night’s game, coming in at 15th.
Even though they lost, Detroit fought hard to come back. In the second quarter, they put up 34 points against the Bucks 31, going into halftime only down by 11. Small Forward Jerami Grant put up the most baskets for the Pistons at 22. Grant also had the most minutes of play for his team, 35. Not far off him in points was Shooting Guard Svi Mykhailiuk, who earned 18 points and participated for 18 minutes. Others that got in the game were Power Forward Blake Griffen (32 minutes and 12 points), Shooting Guard Delon Wright (32 minutes and 3 points), and Shooting Guard Josh Jackson (25 minutes and 11 points).
Despite the Pistons’ efforts, they could not cut the gap in numbers against the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo led his team to victory, adding on 22 baskets in his 33 minutes. Right behind him was Point Guard Jrue Holiday with 21 points and 37 minutes. Those that came off the bench made an impact, too; Shooting Guard Bryn Forbes gained 13 points and 20 minutes, while Center Bobby Portis cleared 11 baskets in 23 minutes.
Overall, as a team, the Bucks played a very solid game. They converted 41-85 Field Goal’s (roughly 48%), 19-43 three-pointers (about 44%), had 31 assists, 10 steals, 9 blocks, and 14 turnovers. It shouldn’t go unnoticed, though, that the Pistons didn’t do half bad either. Detroit collected and beat out the Bucks in certain areas too. In free throws, they made 15-22 (Just over 68%) and put up 61 rebounds (13 offensively).
Next up
The Detroit Pistons vs Miami Heat (away) on Saturday, January 16th at 8:00, where they will look to earn a win.
Milwaukee vs Dallas Mavericks at home on Friday, January 15th at 7:30 to try to expand their lead.
