Milwaukee — The Milwaukee Bucks have been a nuisance to the Detroit Pistons for a decade. Outside of coming away with a 129-116 victory on Nov. 22, wins against the Bucks have been few and far between for the Pistons. So much so that March 2016 was the last time the Pistons won consecutive games against their Central Divisional rival.

After building an 18-point lead with 3:02 left in the first quarter, it appeared the Pistons were on the verge of a blowout at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night. However, they were unable to sustain their hot start, falling 113-109.

Tobias Harris led Detroit with 20 points and five rebounds. Cade Cunningham recorded 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. With the loss, the Pistons fell to 17-5 on the season.

“Defensively, we were not as good as we are capable of being,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We gave up some open 3s, and that is what this team (Bucks) thrives off of. We had some breakdowns, where they made us pay from the 3-point line, and that allowed them to get settled in their zone, and we could not get going in transition.”

The Pistons had just beaten the Bucks 11 days ago in Milwaukee; however, the win occurred while Giannis Antetokounmpo was in the middle of a four-game absence due to a left adductor strain. Antetokounmpo has played four games since he returned from injury, averaging 26.3 minutes.

“He demands a ton of attention.” 

Eleven days ago, the #Pistons visited Milwaukee and defeated the Bucks, but that was without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Today, Bickerstaff speaks on how the former league MVP changes their defensive approach ahead of tonight’s game. pic.twitter.com/0ju4S8GJMf

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) December 3, 2025

His return to the Bucks’ lineup ultimately changed the Pistons’ defensive dynamics. But Detroit only needed to defend the former league MVP during the first three minutes of the game. Antetokounmpo sustained a right calf injury at the 9-minute mark of the first quarter and did not return.

The Pistons took advantage of Antetokounmpo’s absence by building that 18-point lead. Shortly after, Bucks guard A.J. Green connected on a triple that began Milwaukee’s comeback effort, outscoring the Pistons 40-25 through the rest of the first half.

Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks’ rally by scoring 16 of his 26 points during the half. Milwaukee began the game shooting 1-of-13 from the field, 0-of-9 from behind the arc. Bickerstaff attributed the Pistons’ collapse to their inability to adjust to the Bucks’ zone defense.

“It was impactful because we allowed it to be, and then, it started to impact our defense,” Bickerstaff said. “It slowed us down. We got stagnant against the zone. We could have moved it a little bit better.”

The Pistons entered the final 12 minutes holding an 85-78 lead but had one of their worst quarters of the season in the fourth. Detroit gave up 35 points to the Bucks, allowing Milwaukee to shoot 12-of-25 from the field with five made triples.

On the offensive end, the Pistons struggled, shooting 9-of-22 from the floor. They also committed a game-high eight turnovers during the period, which led to 15 points for the Bucks.

“It’s us doing a better job of relieving pressure for one another. It’s us doing a better job of trying to stay out of small spaces, which that zone kind of forced us into,” Bickerstaff said.

Ausar Thompson finished with 10 points, six rebounds and five assists. Isaiah Stewart added five points, four rebounds and two blocks before his night came to an early end.

Late in the third quarter, Stewart and Bobby Portis got into a heated exchange late in the third quarter. Upon review, both players were assessed double technicals. As a result, Stewart’s night came to an early end due to the technical he received following Detroit’s previous offensive possession.

Ryan Rollins contributed with 22 points and eight assists for the Bucks.

Observations and notes

▶ Jaden Ivey plays his most minutes since returning from injury: Against the Bucks, Jaden Ivey played his seventh game of the season. Although the Pistons lost, Ivey showcased another promising performance. He exceeded his 15-minute restriction, playing a season-high 18 minutes, recording 15 points and six rebounds off the bench.

“We had a couple of guys out, so coming in, I knew I was gonna get more minutes,” Ivey said. “Obviously, I’m still in a ramp-up type of situation. I’m still trying to do what is right for my body and make sure I’m on the right trajectory. … Every single time I’m out there, it’s an amazing opportunity to play. I’m just thankful for that.”

“If you look at him, I think he is progressing in the right way.”

Bickerstaff speaks on Jaden Ivey playing a season-high 18 minutes, recording 15 points and six rebounds in a loss against the Bucks. #Pistons pic.twitter.com/mm8bTTZhIv

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) December 4, 2025

▶ Daniss Jenkins’ struggles continue: Daniss Jenkins has played a vital role in the Pistons’ success. He has contributed to Detroit’s offense and defense, but his scoring ability stood out most. However, Jenkins’ shooting slump carried over into Milwaukee.

While starting in place of Duncan Robinson for the second consecutive game, Jenkins finished the night shooting 2-of-8 from the floor, 1-of-5 on 3-point shooting for seven points.

▶ Rivers shoots down Giannis trade rumors: There was a dark cloud hanging over the Fiserv Forum hours before Antetokounmpo’s injury. Five hours before tip-off, ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent are discussing his future in Milwaukee. The NBA trade season is set to start on Dec. 15, and it looks like Antetokounmpo’s time with the Bucks might be ending soon. 

Bucks coach Doc Rivers took a moment to speak on the trade rumors, emphasizing that the former league MVP “never asked to be traded.”

“He loves Milwaukee, and he loves the Bucks,” Rivers said before the game. “I just keep saying this, I’ve heard guys say that they have talked to sources, but I’ve talked to the source. If I’ve learned anything in life, the source usually knows.”

coty.davis@detroitnews.com

@cotydavis_24