Pistons Snap Bucks’ 15-Game Streak with Statement Win at LCA
Just a few days ago, the Pistons let one slip away in Milwaukee — a loss I called out, especially with the Bucks losing their star three minutes into the game. It clearly didn’t sit well with Detroit’s players, because they came out swinging in this one.
If the 19–5 start hadn’t convinced you already, Saturday night’s emphatic 124–112 win at Little Caesars Arena should. This wasn’t just a victory — it was an exorcism. Milwaukee had treated Detroit like a second home, stacking a 15-game winning streak in the Motor City that hung over the rivalry like a dark cloud.
That cloud just disappeared.
Detroit didn’t just beat a division rival — they dismantled them. They controlled the tempo, dominated the paint, welcomed back a key rotational piece, and sent the stumbling Bucks (now losers of 10 of their last 12) searching for answers.
Here’s your full breakdown of a statement win in downtown Detroit.
Ending the Streak
To appreciate the moment, you have to appreciate the history. Milwaukee hadn’t lost in Detroit in what felt like ages. Fifteen straight road wins against one opponent? That’s dynasty-level dominance. It spanned multiple Pistons coaches, rosters, and eras.
Saturday night ended it.
Milwaukee was shorthanded without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf strain), but Detroit didn’t play down — they stepped up. It’s the Pistons’ fourth win in five games, with the lone blemish coming earlier this week in Milwaukee. They corrected that quickly.
The Cade and Duren Show
Cade Cunningham continues to perform at an MVP-caliber level. The franchise star posted 23 points and 12 assists, controlling the game with poise and precision. Detroit shot 57.1% in the first half but led by just five due to turnovers. In the second half, Cade tightened everything up and engineered a decisive 13–3 run to open the third quarter, stretching the lead to 74–59.
Meanwhile, Jalen Duren owned the interior. His 16 points and 16 rebounds overwhelmed a Bucks frontcourt missing its anchor. One-and-done possessions became the rule as Duren cleaned the glass and set the tone.
Isaiah Stewart added 19 points and his usual physicality, giving Detroit a punishing frontcourt trio that Milwaukee simply couldn’t match.
The Return of Marcus Sasser
One of the night’s best moments came off the bench, where Marcus Sasser finally made his season debut after missing the first 23 games with a hip impingement. His four-minute stint wasn’t about the box score — though he did dish out two assists — but about getting him back into game rhythm. The next question is how quickly the Pistons can fold him into the rotation. With Daniss Jenkins developing fast and Jaden Ivey returning to form, Sasser’s role will evolve, but his skill set gives Detroit another valuable guard as the season wears on.
Scouting the Opposition
With Giannis out, Milwaukee leaned on Kevin Porter Jr. and Kyle Kuzma. Porter exploded for 32 points and Kuzma added 15, but the Bucks’ defense never found its footing. Detroit shot over 50% and led by as many as 25 before benches emptied late. The Bucks have now lost 10 of 12 and look like a team searching for answers.
Looking Ahead
Detroit sits atop the East at 19–5, a place the franchise hasn’t seen in a long time — and the fanbase can feel something building.
They’ll look to keep it rolling Friday night (December 12) when the Atlanta Hawks come to town. With the way this team is moving the ball, dominating the boards, and protecting home court, Little Caesars Arena is turning into a fortress.
In a season full of surprises, it shouldn’t shock anyone that the Pistons finally snapped the Bucks’ long run of dominance at LCA. When a team starts exorcising its demons, you know something special is happening.
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Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
