Chicago Bulls fall to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Cup. 3 takeaways from the 126-110 loss.

Chicago Bulls Fall to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks

The Chicago Bulls had no effective response for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who powered the Milwaukee Bucks to a 126-110 victory Friday in an NBA Cup matchup.

Dominant Performance by Antetokounmpo

Antetokounmpo delivered a stunning performance with 41 points and 15 rebounds, proving once again why few players in the NBA can match his physical and mental toughness.

“Few NBA players test toughness more than Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

The Bucks’ star forward controlled the game with relentless energy and precision, driving through defenders and finishing plays around the rim with ease.

Bulls’ Physical Game Plan

The Bulls entered Milwaukee aiming to assert their toughness, focusing on drawing charges, rotating quickly, and forcing low-quality shots from their opponents. Their defensive approach has helped them stay near the top of the Eastern Conference standings this season.

“This roster wants to prove it can hit hard and fast and ask questions later.”

Despite their plans, the Bulls struggled to contain Antetokounmpo, who moved through defenders with both strength and agility. Their defensive schemes and rotations couldn’t withstand his constant drives to the basket.

A Force Too Strong to Stop

At 6-foot-11 and 242 pounds, Antetokounmpo showcased a mix of power and finesse that overwhelmed Chicago’s defense. His aggressive approach and scoring consistency—averaging 32.3 points through the first three games—set the tone early for Milwaukee’s win.

For the Bucks, this victory underscored their intent to defend the NBA Cup title with confidence and cohesion. For the Bulls, it served as a reminder that great defense alone isn’t always enough against one of the league’s most dominant forces.

Author’s Summary: Antetokounmpo’s dominant 41-point night crushed the Bulls’ defensive plan, proving Milwaukee’s physical and mental edge in their NBA Cup pursuit.

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Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune — 2025-11-08