Detroit 105
Milwaukee 96
Piston.com RecapBoxscoreThe Pistons rebounded from a tough road loss in Chicago to get a fine team effort at the Palace against Milwaukee. They outrebounded the Bucks 46-30, outscored the Bucks 46-20 in the paint, and did an excellent job of sharing the ball for a team total of 28 assists.
Jonas Jerebko set the tone early with 10 first quarter points by hustling for loose balls and forcing the Bucks to foul him. He displayed an all around game by defending, rebounding, shooting well at the free throw line, running the fast break, scoring in the paint and perimeter, and even showing point-forward ability with a pretty over-the-shoulder-pass to Ben Wallace at one point. His point guard skills are coming in handy. Jerebko had 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block. He is emerging as one of the NBA's best rookies.
Even when Tayshaun Prince returns, which is looking likely in the next few weeks, Jerebko will still receive significant playing time at the 4 and 5 positions.
Rodney Stuckey is improving as well, finishing with a team high 19 points, a career and season high 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. He shot 7-11 from the field of 5-6 from the free throw line and did a fine job of getting the Pistons big men involved in the offense. He also harrassed Bucks' rookie phenom guard Brandon Jennings into a subpar game with 15 points on 6-20 shooting, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Ben Wallace, Chucky Atkins, Will Bynum, and Ben Gordon contributed to the Pistons' victory as well with solid games. Villanueva struggled in his first game back from his nose injury, playing with his mask in 17 foul-plagued minutes, but his presence was welcome.
The big minutes played by the Pistons reserves are paying off well as the team is improving at Coach Kuester's benchmarks for inside scoring and ball movement in the absence of Hamilton and Prince. When those two veteran stalwarts return, the Pistons at their full strength will be in position to make up ground in the race for a playoff seed in the 5-8 spots since the rest of the East hasn't run away from the Pistons during their time of adversity.
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( 6 -12 ) vs 
( 9 - 8 )
Charlie Villanueva Probable- Ankle.
Tayshaun Prince Ruptured disk in back. 
Richard Hamilton Out indefinitely - Ankle.
Michael Redd Out indefinitely - Leg. 
Joe Alexander Out Indefinitely - Hamstring.
Will Bynum 4.5apg
