Giddey’s Triple-Double Sends Bulls to 116-111 Win over Bucks
Josh Giddey Leads the Charge
Josh Giddey had 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his second triple-double this season to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 116-111 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night. Giddey, who missed the previous four games with an ankle injury, sank two free throws with 10 seconds left to make it 115-111, then pulled down a rebound to help seal it as Chicago snapped a three-game losing streak.
Nikola Vucevic and Coby White Contribute
Nikola Vucevic had 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Coby White scored 22 points, including a tiebreaking jumper with 32 seconds remaining. The Bulls led 62-60 at halftime after opening a pair of 13-point leads.
Damian Lillard Returns to the Lineup
Damian Lillard returned to the lineup with 29 points and 12 assists, but the Bucks dropped their second straight. The star guard came on with 18 points in the second half as Milwaukee played without NBA scoring leader Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) for a fourth consecutive game.
Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton Also Shine
Brook Lopez had 22 points, and Khris Middleton scored 17 of his 21 in the first half. Middleton appeared to hurt his ankle and played sparingly in the second half before hitting two key baskets late.
Takeaways
* Bucks: It took a while for the 34-year-old Lillard to heat up. He pulled Milwaukee back into the game and played 35:28.
* Bulls: Chicago responded with a tighter effort following a 141-133 loss at Atlanta on Thursday when the Hawks rallied from a late 21-point deficit with 50 points in the fourth quarter.
Key Moment
The Bulls opened a seven-point cushion to start the third before the Bucks bounced back and took their first lead, 75-72, on Bobby Portis’ 3-pointer midway through the quarter. Milwaukee led 84-83 after three, but Chicago used a 10-0 run to set up a close finish.
Key Stat
Chicago outscored Milwaukee 56-42 in the paint.
Up Next
The Bucks play at Indiana on New Year’s Eve. The Bulls are at Charlotte on Monday.
Conclusion
The Bulls’ win was a much-needed boost after a tough stretch, and Giddey’s triple-double was the spark that ignited the team’s offense. With a tighter effort and a strong performance from Vucevic and White, the Bulls were able to overcome the Bucks’ late push and secure the win.
FAQs
Q: Who led the Bulls to the win?
A: Josh Giddey had 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his second triple-double this season.
Q: Who else contributed to the Bulls’ win?
A: Nikola Vucevic had 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Coby White scored 22 points.
Q: How did the Bucks perform without Giannis Antetokounmpo?
A: The Bucks dropped their second straight game without their NBA scoring leader, who was out with an illness.
Q: What’s next for the Bulls and Bucks?
A: The Bulls are at Charlotte on Monday, while the Bucks play at Indiana on New Year’s Eve.
