Milwaukee Bucks are in an easy part of their schedule. But this is the COVID-era NBA with no fans in the stands. Anyone can get popped on any night. For what seems like the fifth or sixth consecutive night, a team favored by six or more got beat by an underdog. Two nights ago, Washington took down Brooklyn. Last night, New York (Huh?!) beat Atlanta. Even though the Bucks didn’t cover the 16 points, they were in control for this whole game. Pistons kept it pesky but in the end, Milwaukee ended victorious winning 125-115.

Player of the Game: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Even though Blake Griffin is a bad matchup for Giannis, he at least provides a stopgap against the Greek Freak. With the guys that Detroit had out there last night, they were no match for Antetokounmpo. He finished with 43 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. It was his best night of the young NBA season. Giannis scored 30 of those in the first half in a truly dominating MVP-like performance. He was truly special this evening.

Honorable Mention: Jrue Holiday – Look, there are a lot of guys that could have got this award tonight, but Holiday is taking it. He had a good night from the floor going 6 of 10 with 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and only one turnover. Holiday had full control of this game. He steadied the team whilst also being a contributor on a night where Giannis went off.

What went right for the Bucks – They took care of business against a bad team: Yes, the Knicks thing might have rocked us a bit to our core even if that loss isn’t looking as bad. But the Bucks came into this one and laid the hammer down right away. It wasn’t the blowout fashion like the Bulls, but they always had a lead in this one. Every time it got a little tight, Milwaukee pulled away. They did a great job not letting Detroit hang around.

What went wrong for the Bucks – DJ Wilson finds the pine… Should his time be done?: D.J. Wilson got some minutes in the first few games of the season. And then, he has been a ghost. Wilson could have easily played in this one with Pat Connaughton and Torrey Craig out with injuries. Wilson did not sniff the court. At this point, Milwaukee should see if they can flip him for anything of substance inside. I highly doubt it, but you never know.

Next up: Bucks will play the Pistons again on Wednesday night. I expect that Griffin will be back in this one. We’ll see if they have Jermani Grant, their leading scorer, in the matchup too. These back-to-back games aren’t easy to win both. Philadelphia did with ease against Charlotte, but who knows, they seem more unpredictable.

Charlie.