Pistons Shock Bucks, Ending Milwaukee’s Motor City Dominance 124-112
In a turn of events that no one with a functioning crystal ball saw coming, the Detroit Pistons didn’t just show up to their game against the Milwaukee Bucks—they decided to play like they were possessed by the ’89 Bad Boys themselves. The final horn at Little Caesars Arena blared a tune of sweet, sweet victory: Pistons 124, Bucks 112.
For the nearly 20,000 fans in attendance, it was a sight to behold. The Bucks had strolled into Detroit and won 15 straight times, treating the Pistons’ home court like their own personal vacation home. But not this time. This time, the Pistons slammed the door, changed the locks, and told Milwaukee to get off their lawn.
The Pistons’ Dynamic Duo Takes Charge
If you’re looking for the heroes of this story, look no further than Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Cunningham played the part of the savvy floor general, dishing out a masterful 12 assists to go with his 23 points. He was orchestrating the offense with the poise of a seasoned conductor, making the Bucks’ defense look like they were trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. It was a “put the team on my back” kind of performance that Pistons fans have been desperately craving.
And then there was Jalen Duren, who apparently decided that the paint was his personal kingdom and no one else was invited. The man was a monster on the glass, yanking down 16 rebounds to go with his 16 points. Every time a shot went up, Duren was there, battling for position like a Black Friday shopper going for the last 4K TV. His double-double wasn’t just impressive on the stat sheet; it was demoralizing for a Bucks team that couldn’t keep him off the boards.
Let’s not forget Isaiah “Beef Stew” Stewart, who added a hearty 19 points, proving that this Pistons team has more than a few tricks up its sleeve. The energy was just different. For the first time in what feels like an eternity against the Bucks, the Pistons weren’t just hoping to compete; they were expecting to win.
How the Game Unfolded for the Pistons
The first half was a frantic, high-scoring affair. The Pistons came out firing on all cylinders, shooting a blistering 57.1% from the floor. They were hitting shots from everywhere, and for a moment, it felt like one of those dream sequences where everything goes right. But, as is often the case with this young Pistons squad, they couldn’t quite get out of their own way, coughing up 13 turnovers that the Bucks promptly turned into 20 points.
But then, the third quarter happened. Whatever was said in the locker room at halftime should be bottled and sold. The Pistons exploded out of the gate with a 13-3 run, pushing their lead to 74-59. The Bucks looked stunned, like a heavyweight boxer who just took an unexpected uppercut to the jaw.
The Pistons stretched their lead to a laughable 25 points, and both coaches started emptying their benches. It was garbage time, but for the home crowd, it was a glorious, beautiful pile of garbage. Even the return of Pistons guard Marcus Sasser, making his season debut after a long injury layoff, added to the night’s good vibes.
A Lone Bright Spot for the Bucks
For Milwaukee, the night was a forgettable one, with one glaring exception: Kevin Porter Jr. The man went supernova, dropping a season-high 32 points in a desperate attempt to keep his team in the game. He was a one-man wrecking crew, but against a Pistons team that was firing on all cylinders, it just wasn’t enough. Kyle Kuzma chipped in 15 points, but the rest of the Bucks squad looked like they’d rather be anywhere else.
This victory is more than just a single notch in the win column for the Pistons. It’s a statement. After Milwaukee came into the season riding a 13-game winning streak against them, Detroit has now taken two of the three matchups this season. It’s a sign that the tide might finally be turning. For one night, at least, the Pistons weren’t the lovable losers; they were the giants, and the mighty Bucks were the ones looking up. And man, did it feel good.
