With the Milwaukee Bucks commanding a 2-0 lead in the series against the Detroit Pistons, the hope this could even become a gentleman’s sweep seems to be dwindling. That’ll likely be dependent on how game three goes, where Detroit will get a chance to play in front of their home crowd.
Bucks Update
Game two’s 120-99 victory was an uneven affair for Milwaukee. They looked sluggish in the first half, with Detroit uncharacteristically running and gunning past sloppy Milwaukee defense while the Bucks’ offense looked as crisp as a wilted spinach leaf. Thankfully, Bud’s halftime message went pounding through their heads, with Giannis Antetokounmpo taking charge to deliver seven points in the span of just over a minute to open the third. The floodgates opened as the period continued, with the Bucks once again able to get Tim Frazier Playoff Minutes. What a luxurious life we live right now. The Bucks’ trio of top-notch talent delivered 77 combined points with Middleton adding eight assists, Giannis delivering 12 rebounds and Eric Bledsoe nabbing three steals. When those three are all firing on collective cylinders in the same game, this team really purrs. Here’s some promising news on the injury front too.
Mike Budenholzer on Tony Snell: “Maybe there’s a small chance he’ll play tomorrow.”
— Kane Pitman (@mkebucksaus) April 19, 2019
He did confirm he is travelling with the team.
Player to Watch: Pat Connaughton
The Flying Irishman slammed home a few trademark dunks against the Pistons, but more eye-catching was his spectacular four blocks. He’s really cemented himself among Bud’s rotation here with Tony Snell out, and it’ll be fascinating to see how that platoon works once Snell’s apple-sized ankle heals. Connaughton also went 2-3 from beyond the arc. If his shooting stroke has come around for this postseason, it’ll be tough to keep him on the bench given that was his main bugaboo throughout the year.
Pistons Update
At least Luke Kennard is doing stuff! The former Duke Blue Devil sharpshooter is just about the only thing that seems to be going right for this Pistons team though. They came out with an effective pick-and-roll game to start in game two, but by the match’s end, Milwaukee was snuffing out most of their actions. Their interior defense continues to be porous too, allowing the Bucks to gallop towards the basket repeatedly for easy conversions. I’m not sure if there’s an answer for this team outside of Blake Griffin making a miracle return to the court. If nothing else, perhaps they could ask Andre Drummond to quit being such a bother on the court to both his team (-32 in game two) and Giannis, who he seems intent on bullying to continually diminishing returns.
Player to Watch: Wayne Ellington
To be honest, I’m struggling with guys that might be worthwhile to watch on Detroit. However, I’ll run with Ellington, who is just 3-11 (27%) from deep in this series, 10% lower than his season average. He may be due for a hot streak, particularly in an arena as hot n’ ready for some exciting developments as Little Caesars arena. Watch out for him to get streaky in a quarter or two.
Poll
Game 3: Against Detroit, the Bucks will...
This poll is closed
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63%
Win big (by 10 or more points)
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25%
Win close (by 9 or less points)
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7%
Lose close (by 9 or less points)
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3%
Lose big (by 10 or more points)