Pistons' NBA Cup experience was a ‘great opportunity,' despite losing to the Bucks

Pistons’ NBA Cup Dreams End as Bucks Dominate from Beyond the Arc #

The Detroit Pistons faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks in an NBA Cup matchup that initially seemed competitive. Entering the game’s second quarter, the Pistons held a narrow deficit, trailing the Bucks 36-31 but outscoring them 20-6 in the paint. However, Milwaukee’s impressive 14-0 run late in the second quarter widened the gap significantly, leading to a 19-point halftime deficit for Detroit.

The Bucks shone with their shooting prowess, making a season-high 23 three-pointers at an astounding 56.1% shooting accuracy beyond the arc. This performance was spearheaded by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who played a pivotal role in securing the Bucks’ 128-107 victory, dashing Detroit’s hopes of advancing to the NBA Cup in Las Vegas.

Despite the loss, the Pistons, now at 9-14 for the season, took away valuable experience from the game. According to their coach, facing a team with championship experience was crucial for the young Pistons, providing them with a tangible taste of high-stakes basketball.

Cade Cunningham was a standout for Detroit, leading with 23 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Tobias Harris contributed 16 points and five rebounds. The Pistons overall shot 46% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. Despite Detroit’s setback, Cunningham expressed optimism, emphasizing the game’s significance as the first meaningful one in many players’ careers, aspiring for future playoff appearances.

Jaden Ivey, although struggling with just 8 points, shared the same aspirations. Over the span of four NBA Cup games, Cunningham averaged 20.8 points and Ivey’s performance slightly dipped, showcasing the learning curve experienced by the team. The Pistons look ahead to face the Boston Celtics, as they aim to build on this experience and reach higher goals in the future.