NBA Cup: Bucks Beat Bulls, Antetokounmpo Scores 41 Points
Milwaukee extended its flawless record to 9-0 in NBA Cup group play, maintaining the streak throughout the tournament’s three-year history. On Friday night, the Bucks launched their title defense with a convincing 126-110 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Game Highlights
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. He scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo drives to the basket against the Chicago Bulls.” (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo made 16 of 32 field goals, marking his first game this season shooting under 61.5%.
Supporting Players
- Myles Turner added 23 points, his personal best since joining the Bucks.
- Ryan Rollins contributed 20 points for Milwaukee.
Bulls Key Performances
- Matas Buzelis scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
- Josh Giddey finished with 16 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds. He had recorded triple-doubles in his previous two games, becoming the first Chicago player since Michael Jordan in April 1989 to achieve back-to-back triple-doubles.
Recent Team History
Milwaukee previously fell to Indiana in the semifinals two years ago before overcoming Oklahoma City 97-81 in last year’s title game.
Chicago had opened its NBA Cup campaign with a 135-125 win over New York in October.
Author’s Summary
The Milwaukee Bucks began their NBA Cup defense powerfully, with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 41-point performance leading a dominant win that preserved Milwaukee’s perfect group stage record.