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Milwaukee Bucks prove they’re best in NBA with big win over Detroit Pistons, 121-98

The Bucks’ Eric Bledsoe, right, drives against the Detroit Pistons’ Luke Kennard during the second half Tuesday in Milwaukee. (AP photo)

MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks started the new year much like the finished the last one.

Antetokounmpo threw down a spectacular one-handed dunk, Brook Lopez continued to show off his long-range shooting prowess and the Bucks cruised past the Detroit Pistons 121-98 on Tuesday night. Milwaukee has won four straight and eight of nine and is an NBA-best 26-10.

Antetokounmpo had just 15 points, but his slam over Jon Leuer was the highlight of the night. Antetokounmpo blew past Andre Drummond, jumped and reached his right arm over a leaping Leuer for the slam during the first quarter.

“It’s fun to have nights like this,” Antetokounmpo said. “Everybody has energy and plays hard.”

Khris Middleton had 22 points and Eric Bledsoe had 18 for Milwaukee. Lopez had 25 points and made 7 of 12 from 3-point range, capping off the night by nailing a shot from beyond the sideline hashmark in the fourth.

The Bucks' Khris Middleton is fouled by the Detroit Pistons' Reggie Bullock during the second half on Tuesday in Milwaukee. (AP photo)

“I was feeling good.” Lopez said. “We were moving the ball really well and I was just trying to space the floor. My guys were making great passes to me all night. They’re so good at attacking the basket, drawing people and kicking out.”

Blake Griffin had 29 points and nine rebounds, and Reggie Jackson scored 19 points for Detroit, which fell to 16-19.

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