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 Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Cup

Game Overview

The Chicago Bulls were unable to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo as he scored 41 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 126-110 victory in the NBA Cup game on Friday.

Key Takeaways

The Bulls emphasized physicality, aiming to challenge an elite and unstoppable player.
The team excelled in drawing charges, rotating efficiently, and forcing tough 3-point shots, which had helped them lead the Eastern Conference so far this season.
Giannis, standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 242 pounds, dominated the paint with both power and surprising agility, preferring to power through defenders rather than avoid them.
This season, Antetokounmpo is scoring efficiently, averaging 32.3 points per game through three games.
Antetokounmpo thrives in meaningful games, including the NBA Cup, which the Bucks aim to defend this fall.
The Bulls recognized that individual defense alone wouldn't contain Giannis; instead, it required strategic traps, strong rotations, and stamina to withstand sustained physical play.

"The Chicago Bulls learned a lesson Friday night: Few NBA players test toughness more than Giannis Antetokounmpo."

"Antetokounmpo can dodge around any defender in the league. It just happens that he prefers to go through them."

"Slowing — not stopping — that kind of force would require deft traps and robust rotations and the endurance to withstand four quarters of bruising drives."

The Bucks' strategy and Giannis's dominant performance highlighted the challenges of defending a player who combines physicality with skill and speed.

Author's Summary

Giannis Antetokounmpo's combination of strength, agility, and scoring prowess proved decisive against the Bulls, emphasizing the need for creative defense and endurance in high-stakes games.

Chicago Tribune — 2025-11-08