Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena on April 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Getty Images via AFP)
NEW YORK – The defending champion Milwaukee Bucks edged closer to securing second seeding in the Eastern Conference playoffs on Friday with a 131-101 rout of the Detroit Pistons.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points with 13 rebounds and eight assists as the Bucks improved to 51-30 to tighten their grip on second place in the table.
The win leaves the Bucks in pole position to claim the second seeding heading into Sunday’s final round of regular season fixtures.
Milwaukee will clinch the No.2 spot with a win over the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Sunday, while the Boston Celtics must beat the Memphis Grizzlies in their final game to have any chance of snatching second place.
Milwaukee, who beat the Celtics in a crucial game on Thursday, were always in control against the Pistons, owners of the second worst record in the conference at 23-57.
The Bucks led from start-to-finish, romping into a 30-8 lead after the first quarter and dominating thereafter, racing into a 32-point lead at one stage in the third quarter.
Antetokounmpo was one of six Bucks players in double figures, with Brook Lopez finishing with 17 points and Khris Middleton 15 points.
George Hill, Pat Connaughton and Jrue Holiday all chipped in with 10 points apiece.