Detroit PistonsOpen full analysis
Milwaukee BucksOpen full analysis
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Detroit Pistons 113–109 on December 3 at Fiserv Forum, with K. Porter Jr. leading the hosts with 26 points and R. Rollins adding 22 in a fourth-quarter surge that proved decisive. The Bucks outshot Detroit 48.8 percent to 40 percent from the field while draining 13 three-pointers to the Pistons' 14, and Milwaukee's fourth-quarter explosion—35 points compared to Detroit's 24—sealed the outcome despite the visitors' 44 rebound advantage. T. Harris paced Detroit with 20 points and C. Cunningham contributed 17, but the Pistons' 115.0 offensive rating couldn't overcome Milwaukee's suffocating 102.3 defensive rating. The combined 222 points fell short of the 228.5 Vegas total, as Milwaukee's 28 assists and ball security (15 turnovers) controlled the tempo down the stretch. The Bucks' defensive tightening in the final frame, combined with their balanced scoring depth, exemplifies their capacity to close games in the East's competitive middle tier.
