The Detroit Pistons are not go to Las Vegas.

Given the Milwaukee Bucks’ chances of securing a berth in the knockout rounds of the NBA Cup, you could make a pretty good argument that this was the biggest basketball game in Detroit since Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Playoffs – ironically also against Milwaukee.

The Pistons were throttled that night, and thanks to a woeful defensive performance on Tuesday, they were crushed again in a 128-107 loss at Little Caesars Arena.

The Central Division rival started the Group B table 3-0. With the win, the Bucks move on, while the Pistons, who had a path to advance via a complicated tiebreaker and a wild card entry, stay at home and the regular season will continue.

Honestly, this one was over halfway through the second quarter. The Bucks shot 74% in the period and went on a 14-0 run that ended a semi-competitive game.

Detroit has played decent defense at times this season, but Damian Lillard and Milwaukee have fired early and often. The star point guard finished the game with 27 points and five triples, while the Pistons made a whopping 22 threes.

Taurean Prince, AJ Green, Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr. and even Andre Jackson Jr. looked like they were in the 3-point contest at NBA All-Star Weekend.

As for the Pistons’ offense, they played pretty well thanks to a balanced attack.

Led by Cade Cunningham’s 23 points, Jalen Duren (11), Tim Hardaway Jr. (15) and Tobias Harris (16) all scored in double figures. Duren, in particular, had major issues with the Bucks and the need to protect Giannis. He did well tonight and has been playing well lately.

Isaiah Stewart, who is usually a reliable defender against a guy like Giannis, didn’t play a role tonight. He scored nine goals but was fouled in the third quarter.

Malik Beasley was having one of those rough nights he so often has after torching his former team in their last meeting. I mean, it’s hard to kick your ass when you’re shooting 50% from the field and over 40% from three most of the night.

The Pistons found a way.

I’m not sure what that says about her. Maybe nothing.

They’re an improved team, but they’re a far cry from the Bucks — who are still light years more talented and capable than their 10-9 record suggests. I believe there is still a lack of defensive talent in Detroit and it shows in games against teams like this.

A big part of being a good defensive team is effort. The fewer defensive personnel you have, the harder you have to play on that side. This team has a hard time balancing efforts on both sides. This is not acceptable, but at least understandable.

I think the Bucks are a team that is exposing another weakness: the ball-handling secondary. Cade will really have to work to get into his spots against the Bucks’ length and size. Jaden Ivey is fine as a secondary ballhandler, but his dynamic abilities don’t translate as a primary player.

Apart from them, there are still players who you wouldn’t want to trust with the ball extensively. Detroit would be much better if they had a big wing who could take some shots, defend and handle the ball respectably.

And hey, before you write that comment: I know 80% of the NBA wants this guy.

I continue to wait for Ausar Thompson’s minutes to increase and his fitness to return to normal. I think he can cure a lot of the problems in this starting lineup – defend, make some free throws (Vinson effect!) and defend like a demon – he’s just not ready right now.

It’s a pity that the pistons don’t move. I was looking forward to this game and it would have been really fun to see them go to Vegas and replicate what the Indiana Pacers did last season.

Maybe this NBA Cup isn’t as silly as we thought it was when it started last year?

Let us know what you think in the comments.