NBA Cup: Bucks Beat Bulls, Giannis Antetokounmpo Scores 41 Points
The Milwaukee Bucks started their NBA Cup title defense with a strong 126–110 win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
Giannis Leads Bucks to Victory
Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated the game with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. He took charge in the fourth quarter, scoring 19 points to secure the win. Although he shot 16 of 32 from the floor—below his usual 61.5%—his efficiency and leadership were crucial down the stretch.
“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.”
Team Contributions
- Myles Turner contributed 23 points, his best performance since joining the Bucks this season.
- Ryan Rollins added 20 points off the bench, maintaining momentum when Antetokounmpo rested.
Milwaukee’s NBA Cup Record
The Bucks remain undefeated in NBA Cup group play at 9–0, marking the continuation of their dominance in the event’s three-year history. Two seasons ago, they fell to Indiana in the semifinals but later captured the title by defeating Oklahoma City 97–81.
Bulls Highlights
- Matas Buzelis scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Chicago.
- Josh Giddey added 16 points, alongside 14 assists and seven rebounds. After recording triple-doubles in his previous two games, Giddey became the first Bulls player to achieve this feat in consecutive games since Michael Jordan in April 1989.
Chicago, which had opened its NBA Cup campaign with a 135–125 win over New York in October, fell short against a sharp and balanced Milwaukee squad.
Photo Credit
Photo by Gary Dineen, NBAE via Getty Images.
Author’s summary: Giannis Antetokounmpo powered Milwaukee to its ninth straight NBA Cup group win with a 41-point performance, outpacing Chicago in a decisive title defense opener.