In a compelling clash, Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his dominance with 35 points and 11 rebounds, steering the Milwaukee Bucks to a 118-109 triumph over the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks, missing Damian Lillard in two recent games due to a calf injury, welcomed his return but faced challenges as he struggled, shooting 3 of 17 and contributing 12 points. The Bulls, on the second night of back-to-back games, couldn’t replicate their previous success, falling to the Bucks after defeating the Detroit Pistons the day before.

Bobby Portis emerged as a key player for the Bucks, delivering a noteworthy double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, both season highs. Khris Middleton added 13 points to his tally, surpassing Michael Redd for fifth place on the Bucks’ career scoring list. Middleton’s 11,559 points since joining the Bucks in 2013 surpassed Redd’s 11,554 in his Bucks career. The Bucks’ leading scorers include Antetokounmpo, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Glenn Robinson, and Sidney Moncrief.

Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with an impressive performance, contributing 26 points and 12 rebounds. Zach LaVine added 20 points, while Coby White, Patrick Williams, and DeMar DeRozan also made scoring contributions. However, DeRozan struggled, shooting just 3 of 14 from the field.

Milwaukee set the tone early, scoring the game’s first nine points and establishing a 17-point lead by outscoring Chicago 35-18 in the opening period. The quarter concluded with a milestone moment as Antetokounmpo nailed a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, marking the 500th of his career. Chicago faced shooting woes, missing 16 of its first 19 field-goal attempts.

Read Also: Bucks’ Dominance Crumbles: Giannis Scores 54, But Pacers Seal Late Victory

Despite the Bulls’ efforts to chip away at the lead, Milwaukee regained control with a 12-0 run sparked by a crucial basket from Portis. This surge helped the Bucks secure a double-digit advantage at 81-70, carrying an 83-74 lead into the fourth quarter. Milwaukee’s resilience ensured the lead remained above eight points for the remainder of the game.

Notably, Chicago missed the defensive presence of Alex Caruso for the second consecutive game, sidelined due to a toe injury. On the other hand, the Bucks played their first game without Jae Crowder, set to undergo surgery for an adductor and abdominal tear, rendering him unavailable for approximately two months.

In a game marked by star performances, the Bucks demonstrated their depth and resilience, securing a pivotal victory against a competitive Bulls team. As the season progresses, the Bucks aim to maintain momentum and overcome challenges on their path to success.