Slapped in Cleveland, the Bucks experienced the worst difficulties in fending off the Pistons. A 141-135 victory which owes a lot to Damian Lillard, the only Buck to play at his best level. Another frustrating defeat for the Pistons.
Thanks to the great relationship between Killian Hayes and Jalen Duren, the Pistons had the best start. On the Bucks side, Giannis Anteokounmpo, long uncertain, is there but he is very discreet. It is Brook Lopez who is the most visible in this meeting without an observation round, and not necessarily unpleasant with far skill. The Pistons take advantage of this to take control, and it is even more visible when the replacements enter, and more precisely the veterans. Alec Burks and Mike Muscala give the Pistons the advantage after twelve minutes (38-34).
While Burks is untenable, Giannis misses two shots, and even a ready-made lay-up. Rookie Andre Jackson, author of a tap dunk, brings some pep. But the Bucks conceded behind an 8-2 with Bojan Bogdanovic effective in the catch-and-shoot (55-46). Adrian Griffin sends Damian Lillard and Giannis back on the court, and that changes everything. The two increase the game to two, and the Bucks go back in front before the break (70-67) with a 3-pointer at the buzzer from Lillard. A “Dame Time” before its time.
Two boosts in the last quarter
But the rest is less convincing for the Bucks where only Damian Lillard plays at his true level. His teammates do not show the same enthusiasm, and Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson allow the Pistons to stay in contact. Danilo Gallinari plays like he's always been there. Ditto Mike Muscala, and Burks continues to do big damage. It's him who brings Detroit to -5 at the end of the 3rd quarter. And it is again he who puts the Pistons squarely in front (114-113).
With its veterans, Detroit believes in it, and with free throws, the Pistons take a four-point lead (121-117). Monty Williams recalls his starters, and Adrian Griffin brings Lillard back into play. The answer ? A 9-0 from the Bucks to cool the room (126-121). At time-out, Williams has no choice but to put Burks back into play, and his back finds Bogdanovic to reignite the suspense (126-124). The Croatian has several opportunities to equalize but Milwaukee gives a final boost with Lillard finishing, but also intercepting Jaden Ivey. It is too late to react, and the Bucks win xxx-xxx after the usual free throw contest.
What you must remember
– Lillard at his best. With 45 points, 11 assists and 5 3-pointers, the All-Star point guard is the first Bucks player to achieve such a performance. This is his 20th career game with at least 35 points, 10 assists and 5 winning baskets. Only James Harden does better in the NBA.
– Burks increases his rating. On the shelves of several teams, Alec Burks is very hot at the moment. He scored 33 points off the bench, a few days after scoring 34 against the Wizards.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
