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.