Rapid Recap: Bucks 119, Pistons 103

In the third game of their first round playoff series, the Milwaukee Bucks burned it up against the Detroit Pistons, 119-103.

Blake Griffin, who has been battling a knee injury for a few weeks, was a surprise addition to the Detroit starting lineup. His presence provided the Pistons with a spark, and his contributions led to an early Pistons lead. His quickness and savvy forced Giannis Antetokounmpo to start the game in a lower gear, but Blake could only harsh the Bucks’ buzz for so long. The Detroit lead soon went up in smoke, as Brook Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova were both smoking from behind the arc early on.

The contest remained under control, as Milwaukee maintained a cushy lead over the outmatched Pistons throughout. Giannis’ stat line was secretly skunk, with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. He still managed to light up the broadcast despite a “meh” night.

Elsewhere for the Bucks, Khris Middleton bagged up 20 points, 9 boards, and 3 assists, while Eric Bledsoe blazed his way to 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 dimes. Lopez was piping hot, putting up 19 and 7, and the bench trio of Ilyasova, Nikola Mirotic, and George Hill lit up Detroit’s backup unit.

For Detroit, Blake Griffin delivered a spark with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. It was basically fumes beyond that; Drummond delivered 12 points and 12 boards (with 5 fouls), while Reggie Jackson “led” his team with a +/– of plus-2 and 15 points and 8 assists.

Stat That Stood Out

Milwaukee outrebounded Detroit 52-44, and their command on the glass corresponded to their command in the game. Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin did their part to try and make life difficult for the Bucks’ board-getters, but Milwaukee is the best rebounding team in the league for a reason.