The Detroit Pistons came out hot, and never looked back beating the Milwaukee Bucks 102-91 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center Saturday night.
Detroit’s win snapped a four-game losing road losing streak to Milwaukee. Prior to tonight, the Pistons’ last win in Milwaukee came on Dec. 4, 2013.
Detroit drained 11 3-pointers in the first half which marked a season-high for 3-pointers made in a half.
“We just let them get warm-up jump shots, and they made them all and that put us in a hole,” said Bucks head coach Jason Kidd. “Our energy and effort was not up to par.”
Detroit made just one 3-pointer in the second half, but still never let their lead go. The Bucks got within four points after a three by O.J. Mayo mid-way through the third quarter, and that’s as close as they would get.
Khris Middleton had a team-high 26 points on the night. Middleton has scored 25+ points in 10 games this season after having only four such games last season.
All five Detroit starters scored in double figures. Reggie Jackson led the way with 22 points and eight assists. Andre Drummond scored 15 points along with 17 rebounds, and Marcus Morris added 20 points.
“We came out with great offensive energy, and our ball movement was fabulous. The big thing was that we shot the three really well and only had one turnover. Early on, I thought our guys did a very good job of seeing open men and getting the ball to them,” said Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy.
It went from bad to worse for the Bucks at the very end of the game. In garbage time, newly acquired forward Steve Novak went down while holding his knee, and had to get helped off the court. Kidd stated after the game that it is just a sprained knee.
After tonight’s game, the Bucks continue their longest home stand of the season, facing off against Houston (2/29), Indiana (3/2), Minnesota (3/4), and Oklahoma City (3/6). Monday’s tip-off is set for 7 p.m.