In the absence of Jrue Holiday (personal reasons) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) the gap between Detroit and Milwaukee has narrowed to the point that the Bucks have had a hard time getting rid of this young Pistons guard !
Milwaukee took the lead with the activity of Brook Lopez, author of a big dunk with the fault, and the outside address of Bobby Portis, Jevon Carter and Grayson Allen, in order to turn in the lead after 12 minutes (27-31).
Khris Middleton also seized the opportunity to show himself more by chaining three baskets at the start of the second quarter to bring the gap to +9 (32-41). The Pistons then counted up to 15 lengths behind before starting again, joining the break on a 15-2. RJ Hampton, Killian Hayes and Jalen Duren led the way by finishing in the circle before the Frenchman scored a new basket at the last second to reduce the gap to -6 at the break (51-57).
Detroit confirmed its return to business after the rest under the impetus of an untenable Jaden Ivey. The leader shone in scoring by registering 14 points including two 2+1 in the third quarter and passing with three services for Jalen Duren and Marvin Bagley III. Enough to keep the pressure on Milwaukee 12 minutes from time (90-94).
The Bucks’ salvation finally came from Jevon Carter and his two 3-point missiles that gave Mike Budenholzer’s men some breathing space early in the fourth quarter, while Brook Lopez got Killian Hayes in. painting to offer 11 lengths in advance to his (95-106).
In two stages from the corner, Jevon Carter slammed a new basket from the corner to allow the Bucks to take another step in the right direction (97-111). The MiddletonPortis-Lopez trio managed the day-to-day business until the end to finally win 126-117 after a final dunk signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Successful operation for Milwaukee. Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s forfeits provided a avenue for other able-bodied players to show off and build confidence. The operation was a success since Khris Middleton had his best game in attack since his return from injury and other players took the opportunity to showcase themselves, such as Jevon Carter.
– Home advantage secured in the first round. With this 24th success away from its bases, Milwaukee took two victories ahead of its runner-up Boston and also ensured the advantage of the field in the first round. Indeed seven games from the end, whatever happens, the Bucks will no longer be able to drop beyond fourth place in the East.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Khris Middleton. Serious and available throughout the game, he was the Bucks’ number weapon on offense and met his team’s needs in this game despite his 1/7 from 3-pointers which was a bit of a stain.
✅ Jevon Carter. For his 22 points and his 6/7 at 3-pointers but especially because he pulled Milwaukee out of business by slamming two missiles behind the arc when Detroit was still alive at the start of the fourth quarter.
✅ Jaden Ivey. 32 points, a new career high for the Pistons rookie who spared no effort and was the one who kept Detroit in the game until the start of the fourth quarter.
✅ ⛔ Killian Hayes. Waste in attack, still so many problems on the outside shot but good aggressiveness and interesting sequences. We will especially remember that he has not lost any ball, which was his weak point until a short time ago.
THE FOLLOWING
Detroit (16-59) : the Pistons will face Oklahoma City on home soil this Wednesday (2:00 a.m.).
Milwaukee (54-21) : the Bucks will be in Indianapolis this Wednesday to challenge the Pacers (01:00).
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