Bucks Gear Up for a Familiar Challenge

Lillard is out due to a blood-clot injury but is recovering at a good pace. He might return just in time for the playoff games. In the meantime, Kevin Porter Jr. has filled into his shoes. Against the Pistons, he came off the bench to score 17 with 2 steals and 7 assists.

Antetokounmpo has been exceptional these past few games, recording his fourth triple-double in the last five games. He ended the night with 32 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds. A highlight from the night is the forward's shimmy celebration after blocking ex-Bucks teammate Malik Beasley’s three-pointer.

"I really think I'm one of the best defensive players," Antetokounmpo said post-game. "I think I can affect the game defensively too from my defensive rebounds, from deflections, from blocking, from just getting myself in there. There's gonna be times that my team needs me to do that, but you know when you have a lot of load, it's kind of hard, but hard is good. I love hard."

Head coach Doc Rivers appreciates the way Antetokounmpo is creating plays in recent games.

"He was dominant," Rivers said post-game. "You know, the 15 assists to me is what stands out. You know, it just keeps getting unnoticed how well he's passing the ball and being a playmaker."