Bucks Zone

What we learned from Milwaukee's 122-113 win over Detroit Pistons

The Bucks used their experience to close out the Pistons.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

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The Milwaukee Bucks completed a four-game season-sweep of the Detroit Pistons with a 122-113 victory on Monday night at the Little Caesars Arena. Here are two takeaways from the game.

Experience wins out

The Pistons gave the Bucks all they had and led 109-107 after a bucket by rookie Marcus Sasser with 5:52 remaining in the game. While some teams may lose their composure at the thought of the league's worst team standing toe-to-toe with them, the Bucks stayed calm and collected. 

Led by their experienced All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, the Bucks went on a 13-4 run to take control of the game and secure their 30th victory on the season.

"With the guys on the roster, we're obviously capable of doing that nightly," Lopez, who hit a long triple from the left wing to put the Bucks in front for good, said.

"I think for a good part of the season, especially close games, we all know that we've done that. I think we leaned on that experience, experience we've all had for so long in this league, to close the game out," he added.

Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo said the trust the team has built over the first half of the season helped them stay calm during the crucial moments of the game.

"I felt like guys trusted one another," Giannis said. "From the pass to Brook when he trailed, from the pass to the corner with 'Beas' when he hit the three, from the pass (from) Khris when they double-teamed and he replaced to my side instead of going to the other side, we just know how to play with another, we know how to execute down the stretch."

Battling the Pistons' physical play

With Pistons bruiser Isaiah Stewart back in the lineup after spending time on the sidelines because of an ankle sprain, the Bucks knew they were in for a long night. Stewart's return sparked the Pistons' physical style of play, which the Bucks had to be prepared for. 

Lopez knew better than to get baited into physical altercations and instead focused on using his size advantage to create space for his teammates.

"We had to be smart about it," Milwaukee's big man shared. "We felt that they were definitely letting them be a bit more physical than us in certain situations. We got our points across in our way early, and from there, we just tried to be smart and play our game."

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.