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Bucks edge Pistons

Jan 23, 2014 - 5:59 AM Milwaukee, WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Caron Butler scored 30 points and Brandon Knight added 16 points and nine assists to help the Milwaukee Bucks edge the Detroit Pistons, 104-101, at the Bradley Center.

Ersan Ilyasova and John Henson finished with 12 points apiece, while Khris Middleton finished with 10 points and four steals off the bench for the Bucks, who snapped a nine-game losing streak.

"We really needed that win. I loved our energy in the first half, and we came in here emphasizing that we can't come out flat in third quarter, it has been our Achilles' heel all season," said Butler. "I thought we did, but we bounced back, got the crowd into the game and they supported us. We rolled with that momentum."

Brandon Jennings poured in 30 points, Rodney Stuckey scored 23 and Greg Monroe added 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists for the Pistons, losers in three of their last four games overall.

"It's important we keep the attitude and intensity. I think we got a little comfortable, but we can't let that happen," Jennings said. "No matter what their record is, that's an NBA team over there."

Andre Drummond turned in 11 points and 12 boards in the setback.

The Pistons led 89-83 after a Stuckey layup just over a minute into the fourth quarter. An 8-2 swing from the Bucks knotted things up at 91-91, but Josh Detroit's Smith was fouled attempting a 3-pointer at the other end and converted all three free throws.

Butler's dunk, followed but a Luke Ridnour trey, gave the Bucks a 96-95 lead just moments later.

The Pistons managed to wrestle the lead back with five minutes to go, but Butler nailed a jumper and Knight made a pair of free throws for a 100-97 edge with 3:55 left.

Detroit managed to pull within 102-101 after Stuckey buried a jumper from the elbow with 1:50 to go, but Knight countered with a jumper of his own and the Pistons were held scoreless the rest of the way.

With 5.2 seconds left, Smith was fouled with his back to the basket. He missed both free throws, but Knight fell out of bounds after securing the rebound and the Pistons had one last chance to tie the game. However, Stuckey's 3-pointer as time expired bounced off the side of the backboard.

Detroit led 28-25 after the first quarter and took a 56-50 lead into the break. The Pistons' lead shrunk to just four points, 85-81, entering the final frame.

Game Notes

Milwaukee's O.J. Mayo and Larry Sanders did not play (illness) ... The Bucks allowed 20 points off 19 turnovers ... Knight played for the Pistons for two seasons (2011-2013) and Jennings spent the first four seasons of his career with Milwaukee (2009-2013) ... The Pistons allowed 21 points on 14 turnovers.