The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. With their 113-97 win over the Chicago Bulls, the Bucks are 5-0 since the NBA All-Star Break. Their five-game winning streak is tied for the second-longest current streak in the league. The Denver Nuggets have also won five in a row while the Boston Celtics have won 10 in a row.
The win on the road in Chicago, the second game of a traveling back-to-back, was also the fourth straight game in which the Bucks held their opponent under 100 points. Indeed, the team looks entirely different than the one that stumbled into the All-Star Break with a 3-7 record in its first 10 games under new head coach Doc Rivers.
The Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 46 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists in the win. Damian Lillard had 16 points and seven assists while Chicago native Patrick Beverley had 14 points, all of which were scored in the fourth quarter to help put the game out of reach.
Brook Lopez and 12 points and Bobby Portis and 11 points and nine rebounds off the bench. But while Giannis was the absolute star of the show, it was the role players that set the tone of the game and, ultimately, created the environment needed for Milwaukee’s latest big win.
The Milwaukee Bucks Got Under the Chicago Bulls’ Skin
When the Bucks won the NBA Championship back in 2021, the great play of Giannis and Khris Middleton in the Finals were highlighted as major reasons for their accomplishment. And, of course, they were. Pouring in 40 and 50 points in Finals game is a feat worth celebrating.
But they never would have been on that stage to begin with if not for the midseason trade for PJ Tucker. While the Bucks had all the talent in the world that season, they did not have an edge, or a meanness that set them above everyone else.
That is what Tucker brought. Trash-talking opponents, playing tough defense, getting under their skin. The rest of the team fed off of it and it elevated their own play.
And that is what Beverley has done for this year’s team. His trash-talk, pesky defense, and no-nonsense attitude in practice has been a shot in the arm to a team that, with Giannis and Dame, should be one of the scariest teams in the NBA. Ever since he arrived, everyone has played better.
Beverley’s tenacity seems to have reminded Portis that he, too, has the ability to get under the skin of opponents as well. Portis and Beverley’s antics on defense led to frustration by Bulls’ players. Chicago ended up being whistled for two flagrant fouls, the second of which was a flagrant 2 by Nikola Vucevic who sent AJ Green to the deck with a forearm to face.
On the previous possession, Vucevic had been denied an easy hoop by Portis in a physical battle down in the post.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Made NBA History Against the Chicago Bulls
As mentioned, Giannis had 46 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists to help bury the Bulls on Friday night. And as astounding as that stat line is, it becomes even more incredible when one realizes he did it while shooting 72.7% from the field. The two-time NBA MVP was 16/22 from the floor, including 2/3 from three.
By shooting better than 70%, Giannis became just the fourth player in NBA history to have a 45/15/5 game while shooting at least 70% from the floor. The others are:
- Wilt Chamberlain (three times)
- Bob McAdoo
- Joel Embiid
Giannis’ 46 points were a career-high versus the Bulls. His previous high against Chicago was when he had 45 points, 22 rebounds, and seven assists against them on December 28, 2022.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
Our Partners
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker.
Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply.
