Milwaukee Bucks went for their fourth straight tonight playing the upstart Detroit Pistons. Detroit basketball is currently 10-3 on the season, and people are starting to wonder…. “Are the Pistons for real?” They’re a good team, but they were no match for the Milwaukee Bucks and their block party. Bucks blocked 16 shots coming two shy short of the franchise record. It was a beautiful sight to see a bunch of ‘Return to sender’ blocks happen last night at the Bradley Center. Milwaukee wins its fourth straight and goes 3-0 on their homestand.

Khris Middleton picks up the slack
Once again, Detroit had a good game plan for Giannis Antetokounmpo as he struggled all night. Khris Middleton found a way to become the focal point of this offense especially in the fourth quarter. Middleton finished the game with 27 points, eight assists and six rebounds. He’s found a groove in the last couple of weeks, and with the addition of Eric Bledsoe, opportunities are becoming available for him.

Pistons make it rain from three
Milwaukee had a double-digit lead at one point in the second half, but that was washed away by Detroit’s three point assault. Giving up threes hasn’t been as much of a problem as its been in years past. Detroit made 16 threes in this game, which is too many and most times will cost you the game. Thankfully for the Bucks, the block game was strong when it came to two point baskets.

You get a block, you get a block, you get block
It was incredible to see Detroit go into the lane and get rejected on a regular basis. Milwaukee showed off their length in a major way, and you have to wonder when teams watch this tape, are they going to be less likely to head into the paint? Giannis and Thon Maker led the way with four blocks each plus seven of the nine players who saw time on the court had a block shot.

Bledsoe comes through in the clutch
Last night showed why you trade for a guy like Eric Bledsoe. He did not have the best of nights on the offensive side of the ball until he woke up in the fourth quarter. Bledsoe made seven straight points down the stretch including finding his range from deep. Bledsoe is not afraid of the big shot, and he played a large role in Milwaukee closing out Detroit.

Next up
Milwaukee heads to Dallas for a Saturday night showdown in the Big D. This hasn’t been a friendly place for Milwaukee as they haven’t won there since 2013. Dallas is going through a rebuilding year, but they still have some talent plus a great coach. It will not be easy for the Bucks.

Charlie.