Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combined for 55 points, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a commanding 128-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Cup on Tuesday night. With the win, the Bucks advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing East Group B with a perfect 4-0 record.
The Bucks, currently on a hot streak, have now won seven consecutive games and nine of their last 10, improving their record to 11-9. Giannis, who played just 28 minutes, made 10 of 11 shots for 28 points, adding eight assists and seven rebounds. Lillard contributed 27 points, including five three-pointers, to keep the Bucks firmly in control throughout the game.
Despite a strong individual performance from Cade Cunningham, who scored 23 points, the Pistons’ effort fell short. Detroit (9-14), which finished the tournament with a 3-1 record, was eliminated from the NBA Cup. Tobias Harris added 16 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Duren scored 15 and 11, respectively.
Milwaukee’s shooting was red-hot, especially in the first half, where they shot an impressive 69% from the field. By halftime, the Bucks had built a 78-59 lead, with their offense showing no signs of slowing down.
Gary Trent Jr. added 16 points off the bench, and Bobby Portis and Taurean Prince each contributed 14 points, showcasing the depth of the Bucks’ roster.
Detroit struggled defensively, allowing the Bucks to shoot over 70% in the opening quarter, as Milwaukee quickly surged to a 10-4 lead. The Pistons were unable to recover, with their shooting percentage dropping to just 46% by the final buzzer. Despite the loss, Detroit showed signs of resilience, but it was clear the Bucks’ dynamic duo of Giannis and Lillard was too much to handle.
In a game that was never in doubt, Milwaukee kept their momentum going, with Antetokounmpo resting in the fourth quarter after another impressive performance. The Bucks’ offensive efficiency was a key factor in their dominant win, as they continued to build on their impressive form after a rough 2-8 start to the season.
