Rapid Recap: Bucks 126, Bulls 110
The Milwaukee Bucks began their NBA Cup title defense with a 126-110 victory over their I-94 rivals, the Chicago Bulls. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an impressive performance, scoring 41 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists. Myles Turner added 23 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.
For the Bulls, Matas Buzelis was the only player to score 20 or more points, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds on 8/12 shooting. Josh Giddey contributed with 16 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds.
Game Start and First Quarter
The Bucks had a slow start, missing their first five shots while Matas Buzelis made three layups in a row, giving Chicago an 8-1 lead with 8:55 remaining in the first quarter. The Bucks’ only point came from a Giannis free throw, and AJ Green soon scored Milwaukee’s first field goal.
Despite the Bulls’ hot start, the first quarter was low scoring and neither team performed well offensively. Together, they scored only 48 points and shot 43.1% from the field (19/44). Chicago led by as many as eight points, but Milwaukee responded with a 7-2 run in the last 2:37, cutting the lead to two points at quarter’s end, 25-23.
Second Quarter
Following a slow offensive opening, both teams began to find their rhythm in a closely contested game.
Giannis’ 19-point fourth quarter keeps the Bucks unbeaten in NBA Cup play
Author's summary: Giannis’ dominant fourth quarter performance led the Bucks to a strong start in their NBA Cup title defense, overcoming an initial deficit and outplaying the Bulls 126-110.