Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff emphasized defensive lapses as the primary reason for their 113-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday at Fiserv Forum.
Bickerstaff said the team allowed “some open threes” late in the game, which gave Milwaukee a chance to set up their zone and swing momentum. “We just weren’t as good as we’re capable of being,” he added, pointing to the 35 points conceded in the fourth quarter.
The Pistons had built a 19-point lead earlier, but Bickerstaff noted the team struggled to adjust against the Bucks’ zone. “It slowed us down… we could have moved it a little bit better,” he said, taking responsibility for not guiding the team more effectively in those situations.
Despite the setback, Bickerstaff praised Jalen Ivey’s development, who posted a season-high in points and minutes. “He’s progressing in the right way… his teammates are getting more comfortable playing with him,” Bickerstaff said, highlighting the guard’s growing confidence after time away from the floor.
The coach also addressed turnovers, noting that the Pistons’ seven to eight miscues in the fourth quarter were partly caused by Milwaukee’s defensive pressure and forcing the team into smaller spaces. “These are great opportunities for us to learn and continue to improve,” Bickerstaff said.
Detroit was led offensively by Tobias Harris (20 points), Cade Cunningham (17 points), and Jaden Ivey (15 points), but their early lead proved insufficient as Milwaukee rallied without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who exited with a right calf strain three minutes into the contest.
Bickerstaff emphasized that defense remains central to winning games and that the Pistons’ struggles in the final period underscored the importance of consistent stops. “Defense will carry you… if you get stops, they don’t get an opportunity to set up in that zone,” he said.
The Pistons aim to rebound in their next matchup against the Portland Trailblazers, taking lessons from Wednesday’s loss on defensive focus and ball management. Meanwhile, the Bucks will try to extend their streak against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, again potentially without Giannis.
