Overview
- Detroit squandered an 18-point lead in Milwaukee as the Bucks closed on a 10-1 run after Giannis Antetokounmpo left early with a calf issue.
- Coach J. B. Bickerstaff cited open threes, zone breakdowns and stagnant transition offense as key factors in the loss.
- The Pistons return home Friday to face Portland, which lists Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, Blake Wesley and Jrue Holiday as out.
- Detroit continues to lean on interior dominance, leading the league in paint points and featuring Jalen Duren’s top-tier roll efficiency and rebounding.
- Close finishes persist with six straight games decided by five points or fewer, and Cade Cunningham has been under 20 points in two straight after earning November’s Player of the Month.