The Milwaukee Bucks crushed the Detroit Pistons’ hopes of advancing in the inaugural NBA Cup, securing a decisive 128-107 victory on Tuesday night. Fueled by a relentless three-point assault at Little Caesars Arena, the Bucks locked up their spot in the knockout stage, while the Pistons were left to contemplate what could have been. The game’s tone was set early, with Milwaukee establishing an insurmountable lead by halftime.
Bucks Overwhelm Pistons with Historic Shooting
From the opening tip, Milwaukee’s offense was firing on all cylinders. The team showcased an incredible shooting display that left the Detroit defense scrambling for answers. By the end of the game, the statistics told the whole story of a one-sided affair.
The Bucks were particularly lethal from beyond the arc. They had already drained 15 three-pointers by halftime, compared to just four for the Pistons. This three-point dominance continued all night, as Milwaukee finished shooting an incredible 56.1% (23-for-41) from deep. The 33-point scoring difference from three-point range alone was more than the final margin of victory.
By the third quarter, the Bucks had made more three-pointers than they had missed total shots, a testament to their offensive efficiency. Their overall field goal percentage stood at a blistering 56.2%, leaving little room for a Detroit comeback.
Superstar Duo Proves too much for Detroit
Milwaukee’s star players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, were the primary architects of the Pistons’ demise. The duo combined for 55 points and demonstrated why they are one of the most feared tandems in the league.
Antetokounmpo delivered a performance of near-perfection. He scored 28 points on an astounding 10-for-11 shooting from the field. His impact wasn’t limited to scoring, as he also contributed eight assists and seven rebounds. His aggressive play drew constant fouls, leading to foul trouble for key Detroit defenders like Isaiah Stewart, who fouled out in the third quarter.
Damian Lillard, in his return from a concussion, showed no signs of rust. He added 27 points, including five crucial three-pointers that helped build Milwaukee’s massive lead. “Giannis is a tough cover for anyone,” Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the game. “When you’re also dealing with Lillard, you’ve got your hands full.”
Detroit Struggles to Match Milwaukee’s Firepower
Despite a solid effort from their young leader, the Pistons simply lacked the offensive firepower to keep up with the Bucks’ onslaught. Cade Cunningham continued his strong play, but his individual performance wasn’t enough to overcome his team’s defensive shortcomings.
Cunningham led the Pistons with 23 points and six assists, but the support was limited. While several other players reached double-digits, their contributions were overshadowed by Milwaukee’s efficiency.
- Tobias Harris: 16 points, 3 steals
- Tim Hardaway Jr.: 15 points
- Jalen Duren: 11 points, 6 rebounds
The loss also highlighted a concerning trend for Detroit. After being ranked as a top-ten defense in mid-November, the team has fallen to 18th in defensive rating over their last seven games. Their inability to effectively challenge and contain Milwaukee’s shooters was evident throughout Tuesday’s contest.
NBA Cup Hopes Dashed for the Pistons
This game carried significant weight for the Detroit Pistons, representing a rare chance to compete for a title in a season focused on rebuilding. A victory would have moved them into the NBA Cup knockout stage, but the loss officially ended their tournament run.
| Team | Group Play Record | Point Differential | Tournament Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | 3-1 | +48 | Advanced to Knockout Stage |
| Detroit Pistons | 3-1 | +12 | Eliminated |
Although the Pistons finished with the same 3-1 record as the Bucks, they were eliminated based on point differential. The Orlando Magic claimed the wild-card spot instead, leaving Detroit to play two consolation games next week. The loss served as a stark reminder of the gap between the developing Pistons and the NBA’s elite contenders.
