PistonPowered
Fansided

Game Preview: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Detroit Pistons

By Ryan Carlson

Oct 28, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) is announced before the game against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) is announced before the game against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Detroit Pistons will host the Milwaukee Bucks Sunday night at The Palace. Both teams will be looking for their first winning streak of the season.

The Detroit Pistons will be facing the young Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night at the Palace. The Bucks are coming off of an uneven first victory against the talent-deprived Brooklyn Nets last night.

More from Pistons News

The Bucks led most of the game. Yet, they could never pull away from the Nets. It took a last second tip-in by John Henson to secure the game as time expired.

Several Bucks had strong offensive performances including young, second-year guard, Rashad Vaughn. Vaughn had a breakout game, scoring team high 22 points. His night included six triples to pace the Bucks.

Up-and-coming star, Giannis Antekokounmpo also had a strong game finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists.

New guard, Matthew Dellavedova had a solid impact on his new team. He ended up with 14 points and 9 assists, while playing a team-high 36 minutes.

Defensively though, the Bucks struggled all night keeping the Nets out of the paint. Guards Sean Kilpatrick and Jeremy Lin were able to get into the lane all game.

The Nets ending up with only 42 points in the point had a lot more to do with the lack of offensive fortitude than it was anything the Bucks did defensively.

Overall, the Bucks are a team full of talented pieces but lack cohesion at the moment. Antekokounmpo has been handed the keys to the Bucks’ offense as their full-time point guard.

At 6’ 11”, Antekokounmpo is not your prototypical NBA point guard. He is an incredibly tough defensive assignment for opposing guards. Offensively his eye level allows him to see over the defense.

Also, the Bucks have a very talented player in Jabari Parker. Fans still don’t know what they are getting night-in and night-out from Parker, but his frame, skill set, and intelligence still project nicely for the young forward out of Duke.

Another key player for the Bucks is former Detroit Pistons forward, Greg Monroe. He is a competent inside scorer in the half-court set. He still has not improved enough defensively for him to be anything but a good, not great NBA-player.

Two games into the season and the Bucks defense has allowed 107.5 points per game.

The Detroit Pistons look to build off of a strong performance Friday night at The Palace over the Orlando Magic. The Pistons got off to a decent start to lead by one at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Pistons found their rhythm and took control of the game. They finished the quarter outscoring the Magic 30-9.

The Pistons did not let up after halftime. Instead, they extended their 23-point halftime lead by 12 in the third.

Throughout the night, the Pistons controlled tempo and got a solid team effort both offensively and defensively.

Andre Drummond did a nice job shaking off a forgettable opening night by running the floor, rebounding, and being a solid defensive presence. He also projected himself as an offensive threat. Drummond finished the night with 12 points and 20 rebounds.

Also, the Pistons received a fantastic floor game by Ish Smith, who did his best to help everyone breath a collective sigh of relief. He displayed how he can help the Pistons remain a solid squad in Reggie Jackson’s absence.

Smith finished with 16 points and eight assists. He also worked the middle of the lane at will. He forced the Magic to collapse their defense which led to easy shots and defensive fouls.

The Pistons controlled the paint offensively and defensively as well Friday. They finished with 60 points in the paint while only allowing 36 defensively.

Related Story: Tom Gores says the Pistons are close to a deal to move downtown

Overall, the Detroit Pistons have to be confident going into Sunday evenings contest. Not only did they play well on Friday, but the also have the advantage of not having a game last night.

Home/Pistons News