Rapid Recap: Bucks 126, Bulls 110
The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off their NBA Cup title defense by defeating their I-94 rivals, the Chicago Bulls, 126-110. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant performance with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, highlighted by a 19-point fourth quarter that kept the Bucks undefeated in the tournament.
Myles Turner contributed significantly for Milwaukee, adding 23 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. On the Bulls’ side, Matas Buzelis was the lone player to score over 20 points, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds while shooting 8-for-12 from the field. Josh Giddey also impressed with a near triple-double of 16 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds.
Game Start and First Quarter
The Bucks got off to a slow start, missing their first five shots. Chicago took advantage early as Matas Buzelis made all three of his layup attempts, giving the Bulls an 8-1 lead with 8:55 remaining in the first quarter. Giannis scored Milwaukee’s only point during this stretch from a free throw, and AJ Green soon converted the Bucks' first field goal.
Despite Chicago’s strong start, the opening quarter was not an offensive display by either team. Both squads combined for just 48 points and shot a modest 43.1% (19/44) from the floor. The Bulls led by as many as eight points before the Bucks responded with a 7-2 run in the last 2:37, narrowing Chicago’s lead to two points heading into the second quarter, 25-23.
Flow of the Game
Following a slow offensive period, both teams began to find their rhythm in a closely contested back-and-forth matchup as the game progressed.
“Giannis’ 19-point fourth quarter keeps the Bucks unbeaten in NBA Cup play.”
Summary: Giannis’ explosive playoff-caliber performance propelled the Bucks to maintain their unbeaten streak and establish early momentum in their NBA Cup title defense.
Would you like the summary to be more detailed or concise?