DETROIT (AP) — In a thrilling game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Damian Lillard showcased his superstar talent by scoring 45 points and delivering 11 assists, guiding the Milwaukee Bucks to a hard-fought 141-135 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. This performance not only solidified Lillard’s status as a key player for the Bucks but also etched his name in the team’s history as the first player to achieve at least 40 points, 10 assists, and five 3-pointers in a single game.
Detroit Pistons vs Milwaukee Bucks Match Player Stats LineScore
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |||
| MIL | 34 | 36 | 33 | 38 | 141 | |||
| DET | 38 | 29 | 31 | 37 | 135 | |||
| Team | PITP | FB PTS | BIG LD | BPTS | TREB | TOV | TTOV | POT |
| MIL | 58 | 17 | 11 | 18 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 12 |
| DET | 40 | 15 | 9 | 85 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 13 |
| Lead Changes | 15 | |||||||
| Times Tied | 5 |
Lillard’s Historic Night
“Dame was so great tonight, and he was competing on both sides of the ball,“ said Bucks coach Adrian Griffin. “I had no idea he had 45, but he’s a rhythm player and he definitely got into a rhythm out there. He made big shots, and that’s why he’s on this team.”
Lillard’s performance was a masterclass in offensive efficiency and court vision. From the outset, he exhibited a keen ability to pick his spots, ensuring he moved the ball effectively and attacked when necessary. This strategic play was evident throughout the game, especially during critical moments in the fourth quarter when his scoring and playmaking were crucial to securing the win.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Contribution
While Lillard stole the spotlight, Giannis Antetokounmpo also made significant contributions with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Despite struggling from the free-throw line, missing 11 of his 22 attempts, Antetokounmpo’s impact was undeniable.
“Giannis was big on both ends,” Griffin noted. “He got us some stops at the start of the second half and he was aggressive with the ball and getting to the rim. When he draws fouls, he gets us to the bonus faster than a lot of teams, and that’s invaluable.”
Antetokounmpo’s defensive efforts were particularly notable, as he helped the Bucks gain momentum in the third quarter, pushing the team ahead and setting the stage for Lillard’s heroics.
Pistons’ Resilient Effort
Despite the loss, the Pistons put up a valiant fight, with their bench players stepping up in a big way. Alec Burks and Ausur Thompson combined for 55 points, providing a significant boost for Detroit’s second unit. Bojan Bogdanovic and Jaden Ivey also contributed with 19 and 18 points, respectively.
“Burks has been phenomenal. I’m trying to think of veterans who’ve been this type of player in the past,” said Pistons coach Monty Williams. “His ability to score the ball and communicate with the young guys on the floor have helped us a ton.”
Detroit Pistons vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Highlights and Key Moments
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams showing offensive prowess. The Bucks held a slim 70-67 halftime lead, thanks to Lillard’s deep 31-footer at the buzzer. Lillard’s third-quarter explosion, where he scored 19 points, was crucial in keeping Milwaukee in the lead despite Detroit’s relentless efforts.
In the fourth quarter, the Pistons briefly took the lead at 106-105 following consecutive 3-pointers by Mike Muscala. However, the Bucks quickly responded, with Lillard and Antetokounmpo leading a decisive 9-0 run, pushing the lead to 126-121.
As the game drew to a close, Lillard once again took control, scoring five straight points to extend Milwaukee’s lead to 134-126 with just over two minutes remaining. Despite a late push from the Pistons, the Bucks managed to hold on for the win.
Looking Ahead
The victory marks the Bucks’ fourth win in their last five games, highlighting their strong form as the season progresses. Meanwhile, the Pistons continue to struggle, having lost 37 of their last 39 games, including a record-tying 28-game losing streak.
“It’s hard to play defense when a team has (49) free throws,” Williams lamented. “I feel bad for our team because we’re trying to play good basketball and good defense.”
As both teams prepare to face off again on Monday, the Bucks will look to build on their momentum, while the Pistons will aim to bounce back and break their losing streak.
Milwaukee Bucks Match Player Stats and Box Score
| PLAYER | MIN | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS |
| Khris MiddletonF | 33:14:00 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 17 |
| Giannis AntetokounmpoF | 38:08:00 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 31 |
| Brook LopezC | 36:55:00 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
| Malik BeasleyG | 34:18:00 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 11 |
| Damian LillardG | 37:16:00 | 6 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 45 |
| Bobby Portis | 16:42 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Jae Crowder | 13:48 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Pat Connaughton | 14:13 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Andre Jackson Jr. | 15:26 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||
| MarJon Beauchamp | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||
| AJ Green | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||
| Robin Lopez | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||
| Cameron Payne | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||
| TOTALS | 49 | 30 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 141 | |
Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats and Box Score
| PLAYER | MIN | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS |
| Bojan BogdanovicF | 32:02:00 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 19 |
| Kevin Knox IIF | 15:41 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Jalen DurenC | 30:12:00 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Jaden IveyG | 32:30:00 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 18 |
| Killian HayesG | 17:39 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Ausar Thompson | 32:03:00 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 22 |
| Mike Muscala | 13:38 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
| Danilo Gallinari | 16:05 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Alec Burks | 29:53:00 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 33 |
| Marcus Sasser | 15:44 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| James Wiseman | 4:33 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Joe Harris | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||
| Isaiah Stewart | DNP – Injury/Illness | |||||||
| TOTALS | 44 | 30 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 30 | 135 | -6 |
Final Thoughts
Damian Lillard’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating why he is considered one of the elite players in the NBA. His ability to take over games and deliver in crucial moments is a testament to his skill and leadership. With Antetokounmpo providing strong support, the Bucks have a formidable duo capable of leading them to further success this season.
For the Pistons, the challenge will be to harness the potential shown by their bench players and translate it into victories. While the season has been tough, the performances of players like Burks and Thompson offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
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