NBA Cup Title Defense Opener
The Milwaukee Bucks opened their NBA Cup title defense with a 126-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive performance.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists and the Milwaukee Bucks opened their NBA Cup title defense with a 126-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
Team Performance
The Bucks improved to 9-0 in the NBA Cup’s group play stage during the event’s three-year history. Milwaukee lost to Indiana in the semifinals two seasons ago and beat Oklahoma City 97-81 last year in the NBA Cup title game.
Key Players
Antetokounmpo scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to help the Bucks pull away. He shot 16 of 32 from the floor, the first time this season he shot below 61.5%. Milwaukee’s Myles Turner had 23 points — his highest total since joining the Bucks this year — and Ryan Rollins added 20.
Chicago’s Performance
Matas Buzelis had 20 points and eight rebounds for Chicago. Josh Giddey had 16 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds for the Bulls. Giddey had triple-doubles in his last two games. He’s the first Bulls player to have triple-doubles in consecutive games since Michael Jordan in April 1989.
Previous Games
Chicago had won its NBA Cup opener 135-125 over New York on Oct. 31. The Bucks pulled ahead for good early in the third quarter and went on an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 112-99 with four minutes left.
Game Highlights
Antetokounmpo started that spurt by hitting a 3-pointer, making him 7 for 13 from beyond the arc this season. Antetokounmpo then dunked on a pass from Rollins. Turner capped the run by driving into the lane and drawing a foul for a 3-point play.
Injuries and Returns
The Bucks were playing without Taurean Prince, who has been part of the last two NBA Cup champions after playing for Milwaukee last season and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023-24. Prince is dealing with a neck strain. Chicago’s Ayo Dosunmu returned to action and had seven points in 20 minutes after missing two games with a bruised quadriceps.
Up Next
Warriors: At Cleveland on Saturday night. Bucks: Host Houston on Sunday.
Conclusion
The Milwaukee Bucks’ victory over the Chicago Bulls marks a strong start to their NBA Cup title defense. With Antetokounmpo’s impressive performance and the team’s overall cohesion, they are off to a great start in the competition.
FAQs
Q: Who led the Milwaukee Bucks to victory over the Chicago Bulls?
A: Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to victory with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists.
Q: What is the Bucks’ record in the NBA Cup’s group play stage?
A: The Bucks have a 9-0 record in the NBA Cup’s group play stage.
Q: Who had a triple-double in the game for the Bulls?
A: Josh Giddey had 16 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds for the Bulls.
