Detroit Pistons: Ivey and Duren Impress, Pistons Lose to Giannis-Less Bucks

The Detroit Pistons fell 126-117 to the Milwaukee Bucks who played without MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo. The game was close for much of it with the Bucks finding ways to answer every Pistons run.

Khris Middleton led everyone in scoring with 34 points, eight rebounds and five assists. He continues to have good games against the Pistons who drafted, but traded the multi-time all star. He wasn’t alone in helping the Bucks win as 4 of 5 Bucks starters scored twenty or more points.

The Bucks starting big man tandem was a handful as they combined for 28 rebounds. Bobby Portis scored 21 points to go with 14 rebounds, and Brook Lopez finished with 24 points and 14 boards.

The Pistons fought hard for most of the game led by dynamic rookies Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. Ivey scored 32 points, and nearly had a triple double with eight rebounds and assists. He found ways to score efficiently from the field, while getting to the free throw line twelve times. He also shot 50% from three point range, and made 9 of 19 shots overall.

Rookie big man Jalen Duren poured in the Pistons lone double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. His presence this season has been a pleasant surprise amidst the losses this season. And he’s gotten the attention of more than just Pistons fans.

“Just the physicality, the size, and the athleticism he has is impressive for a young player,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “With his size, strength and physicality he looks like he has a good career ahead of him and they have a great player in him.”

For the Pistons, it’s developments like with Ivey and Duren that matter most as they inch towards the off-season.