Looking to prove that their preseason opening win against the Cavs was no fluke, the Bucks steamrolled another divisional rival at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on Saturday night, rolling by the Detroit Pistons with another balanced effort led by Ersan Ilyasova's 22 points (7/9 shooting including 7/7 for 18 in the third).
Six players scored in double figures led by Ilyasova and Brandon Jennings (17 points, six assists), but the real story was Milwaukee's shot-blocking: the Bucks piled up 14 swats including five from Larry Sanders (starting for Sam Dalembert in a get-a-different-look move from Scott Skiles) and four each from John Henson and Tobias Harris. With Ekpe Udoh missing due to a sore knee, Henson bounced back from a wobbly debut against the Cavs with 12 points (3/7 fg), six rebounds and four assists in just under 27 minutes.
Meanwhile, fellow rookie Andre Drummond (19 points, 10 rebs) was the lone highlight for the Pistons--but he was a big one.
Stats: Box Score
Recaps: Bucksketball | Behind the Buck Pass | JS | Piston Powered
Video: Paschketball: Locker room reaction
News/Notes: SB Nation: Bucks Preview | SB Nation: Offseason Grade | FS Wisconsin: Pressure is on Bucks to win| Woelfel: Mbah a Moute questionable for opener | JS: Henson showing off blocking ability | FS Wisconsin: Skiles hopes vets provide leadership | Ridiculous Upside: Tucker, Gill and Greene hanging in with Bucks