Pistons: Notebook

Third quarter is Pistons' downfall

Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Auburn Hills -- The task at hand for the Pistons is to figure out why they falter in the third quarter.

The last two games, both defeats, have had similar scripts. The Pistons play well for a half, execute their game plan, but then gradually lose their grip over the final 24 minutes.

"I don't know what it is, but it seems like a team makes a run and we can't respond," Charlie Villanueva said.

Saturday's 96-85 loss in Milwaukee was startling.

For two quarters, the Pistons dominated. They went into halftime leading 49-38, held the Bucks to 30-percent shooting (12-of-40) and were crisp offensively, making 50 percent of their shots.

"I was real pleased with what we did in the first half," coach John Kuester said. "The flow and rhythm of the game, our guys were doing a great job defending."

But the tide turned.

Three turnovers to open the second half got the Pistons off on the wrong foot.

"We can't afford to come out and take off the first five minutes," Ben Wallace said.

Kuester said the last two losses were a learning experience.

"We've got to play 48 minutes," Kuester said. "We've done a real nice job (during) the first half, the rhythm is good, but in the third period we've got to come out with a certain amount of energy that we had when we left the court. We haven't done that the last two games."

Getting familiar

While Ben Gordon has gotten off to a hot start, Villanueva's first season with the Pistons has been a bit colder.

But Villanueva gave a glimpse of what kind of offensive potential he has Saturday, scoring 12 points in 23 minutes against his former team, including eight in the fourth quarter.

"I felt pretty comfortable," Villanueva said. "We were down, and I was just able to make some shots and give my team a chance."

Slam dunks

The Pistons had Sunday off. They'll practice today.

Kuester wasn't sure if Richard Hamilton (sprained right ankle) would practice. Hamilton missed the last two games.

... The Pistons had only four fast-break points against the Bucks.

"We need to share the ball more, we need to get out on the break and have fun," Will Bynum said.

ted.kulfan@detnews.com (313) 223-4606