Rapid Recap: Bucks 126, Bulls 110
The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off their NBA Cup title defense with a 126-110 victory over their I-94 rivals, the Chicago Bulls. Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated the game with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, highlighted by a 19-point surge in the fourth quarter that kept the Bucks unbeaten in NBA Cup play. Myles Turner contributed significantly with 23 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.
Bulls' Performance
Matas Buzelis was the only Bull to score over 20 points, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds, shooting 8-for-12 from the field. Josh Giddey also had a notable game, recording 16 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds.
Game Flow
The Bucks had a slow start, missing their first five shots while Chicago's Buzelis made three consecutive layups, giving the Bulls an early 8-1 lead with 8:55 remaining in the first quarter. The Bucks’ sole point early on came from a Giannis free throw, and AJ Green later scored Milwaukee’s first field goal.
Despite Chicago's early advantage, the first quarter was not offensively productive for either team. Both combined for only 48 points, shooting 43.1% from the field (19/44). Chicago led by as many as eight points, but Milwaukee fought back with a 7-2 run in the last 2:37, narrowing the deficit to 25-23 going into the second quarter.
After a slow offensive start, the teams began to find their rhythm in a competitive, back-and-forth battle in the early stages.
Giannis’ 19-point fourth quarter keeps the Bucks unbeaten in NBA Cup play.
Author's summary: Giannis' late surge was crucial as the Bucks overcame a slow start to defeat the Bulls 126-110, maintaining their perfect NBA Cup record.