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 delivered an impressive performance, scoring 41 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists. Myles Turner contributed 23 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.
Matas Buzelis stood out for the Bulls as the only player scoring 20 or more points, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds while shooting 8 of 12 from the field. Josh Giddey added 16 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds for Chicago.
Early Game Dynamics
The Bucks started slowly, missing their first five shots. Meanwhile, Buzelis was perfect on his initial attempts, going 3-for-3 on layups to give the Bulls an early 8-1 lead with 8:55 remaining in the first quarter. Giannis contributed the Bucks' only point early with a free throw. AJ Green soon scored Milwaukee’s first field goal.
The first quarter was a low-scoring, defensive battle with both teams combining for only 48 points and shooting 43.1% from the floor (19/44). Although Chicago led by as many as eight points, the Bucks responded with a 7-2 run in the final 2:37, closing the quarter trailing by just two points at 25-23.
Mid-Game Momentum
After a sluggish start offensively, both teams began to find their rhythm, trading baskets in a tight, back-and-forth contest.
"Giannis’ 19-point fourth quarter keeps the Bucks unbeaten in NBA Cup play."
The standout fourth-quarter effort by Giannis was key in maintaining the Bucks’ undefeated status in this tournament.
Summary: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant performance, especially in the final quarter, powered the Milwaukee Bucks to an opening NBA Cup win, maintaining their unbeaten streak while overcoming an early deficit against the Bulls.