In an exhilarating showdown, Damian Lillard’s stellar 34-point performance guided the Milwaukee Bucks to a thrilling 120-118 comeback victory against the Detroit Pistons, despite the ejection of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo midway through the third quarter.
Antetokounmpo’s ejection came after his second technical foul for taunting a defender, finishing the game with 15 points and nine rebounds in just 22 minutes.
Cade Cunningham and Marcus Sasser led the charge for the short-handed Pistons, contributing 33 and 26 points, respectively, in a resilient effort despite missing six players due to various ailments.
The Pistons held a 115-112 lead with 1:39 remaining, but Lillard’s clutch plays, including a crucial drive and a jumper, propelled the Bucks to a late-game surge and a narrow lead.
A late 3-pointer from Brook Lopez and a vital defensive stop secured the hard-earned victory for the Bucks, despite the Pistons’ determined efforts to challenge them throughout the game.
The Bucks had a commanding 73-60 lead before Antetokounmpo’s ejection, but the Pistons mounted an impressive rally, eventually taking a 95-90 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Bobby Portis emerged as a key contributor for the Bucks, igniting a crucial 16-2 run that provided the Bucks with a 42-27 lead early in the first half.
Despite the absence of Khris Middleton due to right knee injury management, the Bucks showcased their depth and resilience, leveraging their bench’s contribution of 26 points in the first half to establish a 62-52 lead at halftime.
