Rapid Recap: Bucks 126, Bulls 110
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant 19-point fourth quarter helped the Milwaukee Bucks stay unbeaten in NBA Cup play, as they opened their title defense with a 126–110 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Game Highlights
Giannis led all scorers with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, putting on a near triple-double performance. Myles Turner added key support with 23 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. For Chicago, rookie Matas Buzelis was the only Bull to reach 20 points, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting. Josh Giddey contributed 16 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds.
First Quarter Struggles
The Bucks had a rough start, missing their first five attempts from the field. Buzelis opened strong, making three straight layups to give the Bulls an early 8–1 lead with 8:55 remaining. Milwaukee’s first field goal came from AJ Green after a Giannis free throw had put them on the board.
“It wasn’t an offensive showcase for either side in the first quarter.”
Both teams combined for just 48 total points and shot 43.1% from the floor. Chicago managed to go up by as many as eight, but Milwaukee closed the period on a 7–2 run in the final 2:37 to cut the deficit to 25–23 heading into the second quarter.
Momentum Shifts
After a cold start, both teams began finding rhythm in the second quarter, trading baskets in a more balanced contest. The Bucks’ depth and Giannis’ late-game dominance ultimately proved too much for Chicago to overcome.
Key Stats
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 41 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists
- Myles Turner: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals
- Matas Buzelis: 20 points, 8 rebounds
- Josh Giddey: 16 points, 14 assists, 7 rebounds
Author’s Summary
The Bucks, led by Giannis’ explosive fourth quarter, overcame a slow start and outplayed the Bulls to remain undefeated in NBA Cup competition.