Milwaukee Bucks expected a challenge in Game 2. They won the first game by 35 points, and they knew the Pistons would come out with some pride in Game 2. That was inevitable. And they did with a strong first half being up by one at the break. But Milwaukee reminded Detroit why they were the best team in basketball in the second half. Bucks went on a 20-6 run in the third quarter to establish their dominance yet again over the hapless Pistons. Bucks win their second playoff game by 20 or more points.

Player of the Game: Eric Bledsoe – After all of the drama with Eric Bledsoe last season in the postseason, he looks like a different man out there this time around. Bledsoe finished with 27 points, six assists and four rebounds. He had the Bucks going from the start of this game with 12 early points, and Bledsoe did not stop the rest of the game. He took advantage of the Pistons using less of Reggie Jackson on Wednesday night.

Honorable Mention: Pat Connaughton – On Sunday, it was George Hill. On Wednesday, it was Pat Connaughton. Bucks continue to find support from their bench in the playoff games. I know that it might seem marginal in a 20 point victory, but these are the type of things that can carry you far into the postseason. The fact that every bench player on the Bucks can score 10+ points and help the team is awesome. Connaughton had the line of the night with 18 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

Positive: Second Half slaughter – This was an awesome sight to see in the second half. Bucks did not seem phase about being down one at halftime. They played their game and started to wear down the Pistons. Before you knew it, Milwaukee led by 10 then got it all the way up to 20 at one point. That is very frustrating if you’re a Detroit fan. They win the first only to get ransacked in the second half.

Negative: small ball lineup kills the Bucks – One thing to watch for in Game 3 is if Dwane Casey decides to go with a more small ball lineup to counteract the big Bucks team. That frustrated Milwaukee all season, and it continues in the playoffs. Will Casey go to that more often? It does mean two things – No Andre Drummond and no one to guard Giannis Antetokounmpo. It might be worth the risk.

Highlight of the night: Giannis dunks on baby bro

SCOWL MODE: ACTIVATED#NBAPlayoffs #FearTheDeer

📼 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/avwVOFXCPR

— The Ringer (@ringer) April 18, 2019

Next up: Bucks head to Detroit for Game 3 on Saturday night. Pistons will give their best effort of the year. It is hard for me to fathom that this will be another blowout. I expect this one to be close and come down to the wire. We’ll see if Blake Griffin can return for Game 3.

Charlie.