Antetokounmpo’s triple-double lifts Bucks over Pistons

DETROIT (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Milwaukee Bucks easily beat the Detroit Pistons for the third time this month, 110-101 on Wednesday night.

The Bucks built a commanding early lead with a barrage of 3-pointers. Brook Lopez connected three times from beyond the arc in the first quarter, when the Bucks were 7 of 11 from long distance. Detroit was just 4 of 20 overall in the period and trailed 27-13 after one.

That pattern continued through much of the second quarter. At one point, Milwaukee led 52-29 and had more 3-pointers (11) than Detroit had field goals (9).

“We’ve just tried to keep building on shooting and making it a priority,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “It takes good passing, good ball movement, and then guys have to knock down shots.”

The Pistons cut the deficit to 11 at halftime but never seemed like a serious threat to overtake Milwaukee. Jerami Grant led Detroit with 22 points and Svi Mykhailiuk added 18.

“As a young team, we just made enough mistakes at the right time to put yourself in a hole,” Detroit coach Dwane Casey said.

It was the 20th career triple-double for Antetokounmpo. Jrue Holiday added 21 points for the Bucks in another solid performance after arriving in an offseason trade.

“I knew he was really good, but every day I play with him, I realize how good a person he is, good a teammate he is, and how much better he is than what I thought,” Antetokounmpo said.

Milwaukee beat Detroit 125-115 on Jan. 4 and 130-115 two days later.