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A superior effort from the Pistons’ bench, specifically Dwight Buycks (12 points, four assists, four steals), Eric Moreland (first career-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds), and new-old bench player Stanley Johnson, led the way as the Pistons defeated the Bucks, 110-87. The Bucks, who were on the second game of a back-to-back after losing a tough game to Washington last night, played the Pistons close early, then appeared to run out of steam.
The Bucks made 13 field goals in the first quarter tonight, and just 15 TOTAL in quarters 2-4.
— Austin Drake (@austin_drake) March 1, 2018
James Ennis III found himself starting, in an apparent effort to spur some offense from the starting lineup. That move from Stan Van Gundy worked to an extent, as the Pistons scored 32 points in the first quarter, and the threat of Ennis’ perimeter shooting opened up off-ball alleys for Reggie Bullock and Andre Drummond.
Stanley, who could’ve taken his demotion from the starting lineup poorly, instead responded with a monster game, scoring 19 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing four assists.
Stanley Johnson also totally just stoned a Giannis post-up, then broke down Milwaukee on the perimeter, drove to the basket and tossed a no-look drop-off to Drummond for a dunk. He'd be amazing with a jumper, but he's pretty fun even without one.
— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) March 1, 2018
Stanley also had this slick move in transition:
Stanley Johnson! #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/maqqUoWAEN
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2018
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention Andre Drummond’s 15 points and 16 rebounds in only 27 minutes. We frequently take for granted the progression Andre has made this season, but he was great tonight and has been great more nights than not this season.
The Pistons will play in Orlando Friday night, followed by what could be the most consequential game of the season Saturday against the Miami Heat.