Pistons forward Blake Griffin, left, pulls on Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s jersey during the first half Wednesday in Detroit. (AP photo)

DETROIT — Giannis Antetokounmpo was ready to go toe to toe with Blake Griffin during a second-quarter flareup between division rivals Milwaukee and Detroit.

The game was turning contentious. It wouldn’t stay close for long.

“They’re just a great defensive team and just play really physical,” Antetokounmpo said.

“They want to be physical, they want to be dirty. They want you to get out of your game, and whenever you come in Detroit, you expect that.”

Antetokounmpo scored 35 points to lift the Bucks to their 13th consecutive victory, 127-103 over the Pistons on Wednesday night.

There were six technical fouls in this game, and there were words exchanged during a couple mild altercations.

The first involved Antetokounmpo and Griffin after those two collided around midcourt in the second quarter.

Andre Drummond had 23 points and 14 rebounds for Detroit.

Khris Middleton had 17 points for the Bucks.