Pat Connaughton achieves career-high scoring in Bucks' win over Pistons
- The Milwaukee Bucks finished the regular season with an overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons, ending with a score of 140-133.
- Pat Connaughton achieved a personal best with 43 points and 11 rebounds, while several key players were rested for the playoffs.
- The Bucks head into the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak, solidifying their confidence and health.
On April 13, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Bucks concluded their regular season with a close victory over the Detroit Pistons, winning 140-133 in overtime. Pat Connaughton delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 43 points and securing a season-high 11 rebounds. The Bucks were already poised for the playoffs, having secured their position as the fifth seed, meaning they were cautious about the health of their lineup and chose to rest several key players. Giannis Antetokounmpo and several other regulars did not participate in the game to ensure they remained healthy for the upcoming playoff series. Only Kyle Kuzma, a usual starter, played and made a significant impact with 22 points in the opening quarter before sitting out the rest of the match. Tyler Smith and Pete Nance also contributed effectively, with 20 and 19 points, respectively. The Pistons, on the other hand, had a mixed performance, highlighted by Malik Beasley, who led with 23 points, while Lindy Waters III and Marcus Sasser netted 18 points each, with Sasser also providing 10 assists. The match had a thrilling conclusion, especially for Detroit, who managed to erase an eight-point deficit in the final moments of regulation. Lindy Waters III tied the game by sinking a 3-pointer with just 1.9 seconds left, pushing the game into overtime. This dramatic comeback highlighted the resilience of the Pistons' bench players, who were also seeking to finish the season on a high note. Despite their efforts, they ultimately fell short in overtime, capping off a challenging season. As both teams look toward the playoffs, the Bucks will face Indiana, while the Pistons will head into a matchup against New York. With a focus on health and strategy during the last games of the regular season, the Bucks solidified their preparation for the challenges ahead and aimed to carry their momentum into the playoffs. The emergence of players like Connaughton has added depth and confidence to the Bucks as they embark on their playoff journey, marking a bright prospect for their championship aspirations this year.