Connaughton’s Career Night and Detroit’s Spirited Comeback Headline Bucks’ Overtime Win
In a matchup where playoff implications took a back seat to player development and rotation experimentation, the Milwaukee Bucks edged out the Detroit Pistons 140-133 in an entertaining overtime finale at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
With the playoff seeding already locked in — Milwaukee in the No. 5 spot and Detroit secured as the sixth seed — both teams approached the game as a tune-up. Stars like Cade Cunningham and Giannis Antetokounmpo were rested, and key rotation players saw either reduced minutes or took the day off completely.
But that didn’t mean a lack of fireworks.
Pat Connaughton, buried on Milwaukee’s bench for much of the season, erupted for a career-high 43 points in 43 minutes, reminding the league that even the deepest reserves can light it up when given the chance. He hit from everywhere — corner threes, tough floaters, fast-break finishes — to the delight of the home crowd, who were treated to a relaxed but wildly entertaining offensive showcase.
“It was his night,” said one Milwaukee fan after the game. “You could feel the rhythm — every time he touched it, it felt like it was going in.”
A Tale of Two Halves — and a Bit More
The Bucks jumped out to an early 22-point lead, but Detroit’s second unit refused to fold. Led by Malik Beasley, who drained seven three-pointers for a team-high 23 points, and supported by young standouts like Bobi Klintman (15 points) and Tolu Smith (14 points), the Pistons chipped away at the deficit across the second and third quarters.
Lindy Waters made his presence felt with 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting from deep, while Marcus Sasser added another 18 — though he struggled in the facilitator role as the lead guard.
Detroit trailed by eight with just 42 seconds left in regulation, but what followed was a flurry of heart and hustle.
First, Waters knocked down a three. Then came a brilliant inbounds steal and kick-out to Klintman, who drained another deep ball from the corner to cut the deficit to two. After Milwaukee’s Jamaree Bouyea hit just one of two free throws, the Pistons had a chance — and Waters delivered again, hitting a contested corner three with seconds left to force overtime.
It was a Cinderella moment that briefly turned the season finale into one of the wildest games of the year.
Unfortunately for Detroit, the fairy tale didn’t carry into OT.
Milwaukee controlled the extra frame with smarter possessions and greater composure, closing the game out 140-133, and finishing their season on a high note ahead of their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
Betting Recap: Which Tips Hit?
This matchup delivered plenty of entertainment — and some strong betting outcomes from our America Bet match preview.
🔹 Our Over 225.5 Total Points tip absolutely smashed, with the final score hitting a massive 273 points in total — thanks in part to overtime, but the high tempo was obvious early.
🔹 The “Pistons +6.5 Handicap” covered cleanly, as Detroit took the game into OT and fought until the final minute.
🔹 Malik Beasley Over 16.5 Points was another win, with his 23-point performance coming in limited minutes.
🔹 Our “Game to Go to Overtime — No” pick didn’t land, but in a game full of surprises and absent stars, it’s fair to say the chaos level was far higher than anticipated.
🔹 One near-miss was Lindy Waters Over 19.5 Points, as he finished on 18 despite launching 16 three-pointers. Had he shot even slightly better, it was another bet that would’ve hit.
🔹 Total Bench Points by Both Teams Over 60 was another spot-on call, as benches dominated both the usage and the scoreboard.
These results reinforced the value of game previews that dig beneath the surface. Our team flagged the potential for bench explosions and defensive lapses due to rotation changes — which proved vital to bettors seeking value beyond the headline names.
To see the full original preview and daily NBA betting content, visit America Bet.
Pistons Perspective: Bright Spots Beyond the L
While the loss won’t mean much in the standings, this game was a useful canvas for Detroit’s depth. Players like Klintman and Smith showed flashes of polish and confidence that should give coach J.B. Bickerstaff a little more to consider heading into next season.
Detroit’s reward for finishing sixth is a first-round series against the New York Knicks — a team that swept them in the regular season. But if the Pistons can channel even half of Sunday’s grit, it could be closer than expected.
For now, Detroit walks away from its season finale with optimism, a few bruises — and a growing sense that their rebuild is finally starting to take shape.
