Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Milwaukee Bucks easily beat the Detroit Pistons for the third time this month, 110-101 on Wednesday night.
The Bucks built a commanding early lead with a barrage of 3-pointers. Brook Lopez connected three times from beyond the arc in the first quarter, when the Bucks were 7 of 11 from long distance. Detroit was just 4 of 20 overall in the period and trailed 27-13 after one.
That pattern continued through much of the second quarter. At one point, Milwaukee led 52-29 and had more 3-pointers (11) than Detroit had field goals (9).
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)
The Pistons cut the deficit to 11 at halftime but never seemed like a serious threat to overtake Milwaukee. Jerami Grant led Detroit with 22 points and Svi Mykhailiuk added 18.
It was the 20th career triple-double for Antetokounmpo. Jrue Holiday added 21 points for the Bucks.
Milwaukee beat Detroit 125-115 on Jan. 4 and 130-115 two days later.
Detroit Pistons guard Josh Jackson (20) drives on Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)
TIP-INS
Bucks: Milwaukee has won three straight and six of seven. ... The Bucks finished 19 of 43 from 3-point range. ... Lopez didn't score after those early 3s. He had nine points and 11 rebounds.
Pistons: Detroit fell to 2-9, but its margins of defeat have remained reasonably respectable. That 15-point loss to Milwaukee was the most lopsided of the season for the Pistons. ... Detroit had a 20-7 advantage in second-chance points.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)
UP NEXT
Bucks: Host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.
Pistons: Detroit's game against Washington on Friday night was called off because of contact tracing issues with the Wizards. The Pistons are scheduled to play at Miami on Saturday night.
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