Bulls have no answers for Giannis, fall to Bucks, 122-106

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Bulls answered the bell Wednesday night after trailing the Milwaukee Bucks by 18 points in the first half.

They just had no answer for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo had 41 points — including 25 of Milwaukee’s 29 in the third quarter — nine rebounds and eight assists, and the Bucks pulled away late to beat the Bulls, 122-106, at Fiserv Forum.

Game Recap

Zach Lavine scored 27 points to lead Chicago, but he was held to just seven in the second half. Torrey Craig added 15 points, while Nikola Vucevic and Coby White had 14 each, as the Bulls dropped to 6-10.

Brook Lopez scored 21 points, Damian Lillard had 20 points and 10 assists, and AJ Green added 18 points to help the Bucks win for the fourth time in five games following a 2-8 start. They’re now 6-9.

The Bucks led by 18 and seemed to be in control after a 16-0 run from the end of the first quarter and into the second, but the Bulls chipped away and pulled within one point in the third. The score remained close until midway through the fourth, when the Bucks once again pulled away with Antetokounmpo dominating inside.

Takeaways

Bulls: Lavine had 20 points in the first half, the only Chicago player in double figures to that point.

Bucks: After being held to 13 points in the first half, Antetokounmpo scored 25 of Milwaukee’s 29 points in the third quarter. Lopez scored 20 or more points for the third time in four games.

Key Moment

Green swished a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer, his fifth of the game, from the corner with 6:49 left in the game to push the Bucks’ lead to seven. Lillard and Lopez followed with 3s of their own to extend the Bucks’ lead to 13.

Key Stat

The Bucks’ bench players outscored the Bulls’ reserves, 23-7, in the first half. Green set the pace from the start with 11 points in the first quarter.

Up Next

The Bucks host Indiana on Friday, while the Bulls host Atlanta in an NBA Cup Group Play game.

Tip-off at the United Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Conclusion

The Bulls’ inability to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo proved to be the difference-maker in this game. Despite a strong effort from Zach Lavine, the Bulls’ offense stalled in the second half, and they were unable to keep up with the Bucks’ dominant performance.

FAQs

What was the final score of the game? The Bucks won 122-106.

Who led the Bulls in scoring? Zach Lavine scored 27 points.

Who led the Bucks in scoring? Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points.

What was the key moment in the game? AJ Green’s catch-and-shoot 3-pointer with 6:49 left in the game pushed the Bucks’ lead to seven points.