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Duke Basketball: Luke Kennard leads Pistons despite embarrassing loss

By Kevin Connelly

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 14: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons is defended by Nikola Mirotic #41 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 14, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 14: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons is defended by Nikola Mirotic #41 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 14, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons got embarrassed in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks, but it could have been worse if it wasn’t for former Duke Basketball guard Luke Kennard.

To say the Detroit Pistons were overmatched in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Milwaukee Bucks would be an understatement.

The Pistons got clubbed 121-86 by the Bucks, but despite the 35 point massacre, it could have been worse if it wasn’t for the performance of Luke Kennard.

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The former Duke shooting guard led the Pistons with 21 points in 28 minutes while adding four rebounds and two assists in the defeat.

Kennard made 8-of-14 from the field and 4-of-5 from 3-point range, while splitting a pair at the free throw line.

The second year player continued his hot shooting from the end of the regular season as he posted 15 points in the penultimate regular season game against the Memphis Grizzlies and 27 points in the finale against the New York Knicks.

On the season, Kennard averaged 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 39.4% from 3-point range.

Luke Kennard was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Kennard was one of the best and most efficient Pistons on the floor Sunday night, netting a -9 rating, which on the surface isn’t good, but compared to the starting five, a -9 for Kennard seems like a major victory.

Andre Drummond paced the way with a -45 rating, while Wayne Ellington was right behind him at -41.

Reggie Jackson finished Game 1 at -35, Bruce Brown was -25, and Thon Maker closed out the Pistons starting five at -16.

Kennard was tied with Ellington for the team high with 28 minutes.

The Detroit Pistons will try and respond in Game 2 which is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, at 8:00pm ET from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The game can be seen nationally on NBATV.

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