DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons are locked into the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs following a 125-119 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.

Cade Cunningham led Detroit with a game-high 36 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, scoring 21 points in the first half. He also accounted for four of Detroit's 10 turnovers. Jalen Duren posted his 41st double-double of the season with 15 rebounds and 11 points.

After an impressive second quarter, Detroit entered halftime trailing by three (68-65). At that moment, it seemed that the Pistons were on the verge of a second consecutive win. However, a lackluster start to the third quarter halted Detroit’s momentum.

The Bucks opened the third quarter by sinking three of their first five shots, scoring 13 points. Consequently, Milwaukee took its largest lead of the night, an 11-point advantage (91-83), with five minutes remaining in the period.

Giannis Antetokounmpo spearheaded the Bucks' dominance in the second half, finishing with 32 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds. The two-time MVP winner scored 19 points in the second half. However, the Pistons responded by going on a 14-7 run, bringing the score to 98-97.

A triple by Cunningham at the 9:45 mark of the final quarter led the Pistons to a 103-101 lead. But on Milwaukee's next two offensive possessions, Gary Trent Jr. (nine points) connected on back-to-back 3-point field goals to give the Bucks a four-point lead.

The Pistons trailed 115-111 at the 2:50 mark of the fourth quarter when Antetokounmpo missed a one-handed dunk. However, Detroit could not capitalize on Milwaukee's mistake due to Cunningham's turnover. Antetokounmpo put the game away after he connected with Bobby Portis for an easy layup.

Portis scored 17 points while Kevin Porter Jr. recorded 16 points, seven assists and four rebounds off the bench.

Up next

The Pistons will play their final game of the regular season against the Bucks on Sunday afternoon. It will mark the second of a home-and-home series that will conclude at Fiserv Forum. Tipoff between the Bucks and Pistons is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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