Rapid Recap: Bucks 126, Bulls 110
The Milwaukee Bucks opened their NBA Cup title defense with a dominant 126-110 victory over their I-94 rivals, the Chicago Bulls. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with a remarkable 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, helping Milwaukee stay undefeated in Cup play.
Myles Turner added 23 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, while young talent Matas Buzelis was Chicago’s top performer with 20 points and eight rebounds, hitting eight of his 12 shots. Josh Giddey contributed 16 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds for the Bulls.
Sluggish Start and Turnaround
The Bucks stumbled early, missing their first five shots as Buzelis sank three straight layups to put Chicago up 8-1 with 8:55 remaining in the first quarter. Milwaukee’s first field goal came courtesy of AJ Green, following a lone Giannis free throw.
Despite the Bulls’ quick start, both teams struggled offensively in the opening period, combining for just 48 points while shooting 43.1% from the floor. Chicago held an eight-point lead at one stage, but Milwaukee closed the quarter strong with a 7-2 run in the final minutes, cutting the deficit to 25-23 entering the second frame.
“Giannis’ 19-point fourth quarter keeps the Bucks unbeaten in NBA Cup play.”
From that point, both teams began to find their offensive rhythm in a more balanced, back-and-forth contest.
Author’s Summary
Giannis powered the Bucks with 41 points to a 126-110 win over the Bulls, turning around a slow start and keeping their NBA Cup streak alive.