The Bucks were the only sub-.500 team in the playoffs, and Redd was their only starter with postseason experience before the quick series against Detroit.

"We're one of the youngest teams in the league," Stotts said. "This was a good experience for a lot of our guys."

The Pistons begin games with the same five players they did in 2004 when they beat the Bucks in the first round en route to the third championship in franchise history, and have had four of the same starters for four straight postseasons.

When Detroit has had a chance to win a series, it has won 10 of its last 11 games. The only loss came last year at San Antonio in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, a game that has motivated the Pistons for 10-plus months.

"We don't celebrate getting to the first round, or getting past the first round," reserve guard Lindsey Hunter said. "It's nothing to really celebrate. We know what our goal is."

Notes:@ Hamilton's previous playoff high was 33 points, a total he reached twice. ... He joined Billups, Isiah Thomas, Kelly Tripucka and Dave Bing as the only Pistons with 40 points in a postseason game. ... Detroit previously scored 39 points in the first quarter of playoff games in 1985 against New Jersey and 1979 against Golden State.