Bulls may have pace, shooting and depth, but they don't have Giannis
Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a commanding performance with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, lifting the Milwaukee Bucks to a 126–110 win over the Chicago Bulls. The victory not only gave the Bulls their second loss of the season but also underscored the gap that true star power creates.
Antetokounmpo’s Dominant Fourth Quarter
Nineteen of Antetokounmpo’s points came in the fourth quarter, where his relentless playmaking and energy overwhelmed Chicago’s defense. The Bucks and Bulls entered Friday’s NBA Cup pool game nearly neck and neck in pace and scoring — the Bulls averaging 120.4 points per game and the Bucks close behind at 119.9 — but Antetokounmpo made the critical difference.
Respect from the Opposition
“He’s just a handful with the way he plays,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said. “I’ve got great respect for his motor, intensity and the way he competes, but at a certain point, you have to match force with force. In the fourth quarter, he simply overwhelmed us.”
Defensive Challenges for Chicago
Isaac Okoro began defending Antetokounmpo but quickly ran into foul issues, forcing Chicago to rotate several big men in an attempt to contain him.
“He just started going at us one-on-one, and when he sees space, he’s going to attack it,” Okoro said.
Author’s Summary
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance powered the Bucks past the Bulls, highlighting how one extraordinary talent can redefine a close contest.