Pistons fall out of NBA Cup contention in blowout loss to Bucks
Detroit — For the first time in five seasons, the Detroit Pistons walked into Little Caesars Arena for a significant game.
Tuesday marked the final night of the NBA Cup Group play, and with a victory, the Pistons had a chance to advance to the knockout round. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff viewed the game as an opportunity to compete in a high-stakes environment, with teachable moments regarding valuing possessions, attention to detail, and preparations.
However, the game came against the Milwaukee Bucks, who have owned the Pistons over the previous three seasons. The Bucks maintained their dominance, sending the Pistons to a 128-107 loss. Detroit suffered its 11th straight loss to the Bucks (11-9) and was eliminated from the In-Season Tournament, as Milwaukee won East Group B.
"This was a great opportunity for our guys to experience," Bickerstaff said after the loss. "For a lot of us in the NBA, this was the biggest game that we’ve had, playing against a team that has champions on it, guys who have been through the fire before and understand what it takes to reach that next level."
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2024/12/03/pistons-fall-out-of-nba-cup-contention-in-blowout-loss-to-bucks/76733127007/