Bucks Bury Pistons Behind Redd’s 40

Michael Redd is teaching the Milwaukee Bucks how to win in the playoffs, and it’s a formula the Detroit Pistons know well -- poise, persistence and prolific shooting.

Redd scored 40 points and T.J. Ford had a career-high 15 assists to lead the Bucks to their first home playoff victory over the Pistons in 30 years, 124-104, on Saturday night.

The Bucks shot 60% and set a season high for points by an opponent against the Pistons, who lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series, 2-1.

“Phase one is done,� Redd said. “We stayed poised and they met their match.�

Chauncey Billups led six players in double figures for Detroit with 26 points.

The Pistons trailed by as many 26 and Coach Flip Saunders emptied his bench with 3:13 to play.

“We kind of went away from what we did in the first two games,� Piston forward Tayshaun Prince said. “Why? I don’t know.�

New Jersey 97, Indiana 88 -- Vince Carter scored 28 points, Richard Jefferson had 22 and the Nets evened their series with the Pacers at 2-2.

Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal scored 22 points before fouling out with 1:21 left. Pacer forward Peja Stojakovic sat out because of an injured right knee.

Indiana made 10 of 21 three-point shots but had 23 turnovers.