Giannis Antetokounmpo added 31 points, and Damian Lillard scored a career-high 45 to help the Milwaukee Bucks defeat NBA powerhouse Detroit 141–135 on Saturday.
Damian Lillard had 45 points and 11 assists to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 141-135 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
“Dame was so great tonight, and he was competing on both sides of the ball,” Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said. “I had no idea he had 45, but he’s a rhythm player and he definitely got into a rhythm out there. He made big shots, and that’s why he’s on this team.”
In a single game, Lillard became the first player in Bucks history to have at least 40 points, ten assists, and five 3-pointers.
He remarked, “I felt good because I had a good warmup and I got a couple shots to go in.” Because I knew it would be a crucial game, I chose my places. I attacked when I needed to attack and I moved the ball when I needed to move it.
While recording 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, Giannis Antetokounmpo was unsuccessful on 11 of his 22 free throw tries. The Bucks, who have won four straight, were led by 19 points from Brook Lopez.
Griffin stated, “Giannis was big on both ends.” “He was aggressive with the ball and got to the rim, and he got us some stops early in the second half.” He brings us to the bonus quicker than many teams when he draws fouls, and that is really helpful.
For Detroit’s second unit, Alec Burks (33) and Ausur Thompson (career-high 22) combined for 55 points; nevertheless, in the first game of a two-game series, just two starters, Bojan Bogdanovic (19) and Jaden Ivey (18), scored in double figures.
“Burks has excelled greatly. Pistons coach Monty Williams stated, “I’m trying to think of veterans who’ve been this type of player in the past.” “His ability to score baskets and interact with the younger players on the floor has been extremely beneficial to us.”
The Pistons have lost 28 straight games, setting a new record, and are now 2-37 in their last 39 games. On Monday, they will host Milwaukee once more.
With 4:40 remaining, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a 126-121 lead after scoring five points in a 9-0 run. However, he missed his tenth free shot seconds later.
But with 2:11 remaining, Lillard scored five straight points to restore Milwaukee’s advantage to 134-126.
Williams remarked, “When a team has (49) free throws, it’s difficult to play defense.” “We’re trying to play good basketball and good defense, so I feel bad for our team.”
In the third quarter, Detroit missed seven of their first eight shots, giving Milwaukee an 80-71 lead. In an effort to keep Detroit in the game, Antetokounmpo missed eight of his first twelve efforts from the line, continuing his struggles.
The Pistons were still within 103-98 at the end of the third quarter despite Lillard’s 19 points in the quarter and 36 for the game. Early in the fourth quarter, Mike Muscala made back-to-back 3-pointers, giving Detroit a 106-105 lead.
Lilliard’s 31-footer at the buzzer gave the Bucks a 70-67 lead at the half. Along with seven assists, he finished with 17 points and over 50% of the team’s field goals.
Griffin stated, “On Monday, we need to take better care of the 3-point line.” Will they use the same footage the next time? I’m not sure, but we need to be careful not to offer them that kind of assurance.