Rapid Recap: Bucks 126, Pistons 106

While the Milwaukee Bucks 126-106 post-ASB win over the Detroit Pistons didn’t carry the excitment factor, it certainly had nostalgia going for it with the parade of former Bucks that graced our screen. There was nothing graceful about the first for the Pistons though, as Milwaukee demolished them 32-18. By halftime, it was 70-41 and effectively over. The Pistons finally found some shooting in the third to win that quarter individually and make a little push in the fourth, but the Bucks won their seventh straight against the Pistons.

Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up his All-Star Game showing with a decimation of Detroit’s thin frontline. Ending with 33 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three steals, there wasn’t anything Christian Wood, John Henson, Greg Monroe, Tyler Zeller, Miles Plumlee, Miroslav Raduljica or Thon Maker could do about it.

Khris Middleton had his way too, dancing past defenders all game to the tune of 28 points and eight boards. His slick shooting ways continued with 11-18 from the field. Eric Bledsoe carved up Brandon Knight and Derrick Rose, finishing with 19. Brook Lopez tacked on 18 including 9-10 from the line.

The Pistons looked hopeless on both ends of the court against Milwaukee, particularly without an injured Luke Kennard and the recently jettisoned Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson. Derrick Rose had 12, Christian Wood notched 18 points and 11 rebounds while Bruce Brown contributed 16.

Stat that Stood Out

The turnover disparity in this game is absolutely wild, and not just because Milwaukee protected the ball as well as they have all year. Their eight turnovers tied for their second-fewest of the year, while Detroit’s 22 turnovers was the most by any Bucks opponent all season. The difference in points off said turnovers: 25-6 in the Bucks favor. Ballgame.