The Chicago Bulls could not slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo, who delivered 41 points and 15 rebounds to propel the Milwaukee Bucks to a 126-110 victory in Friday’s NBA Cup matchup.
The Bulls entered Milwaukee with determination, emphasizing physical play after weeks of focusing on toughness. They aimed to challenge one of the league’s most dominant forces head-on, hoping a bold, contact-heavy approach could make the difference.
Antetokounmpo demonstrated why few in the NBA can match his combination of strength and finesse. At 6-foot-11 and 242 pounds, he maneuvered through defenders while maintaining balance and control, frequently opting to power straight through traffic.
“Few NBA players test toughness more than Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
He entered the contest averaging 32.3 points through three games, quickly establishing that this season he’s attacking the rim with even greater urgency. For Antetokounmpo, every game — especially in the NBA Cup — carries weight. The Bucks intend to defend their title this fall, and their star is leading by example.
The Bulls relied on rotations, drawing charges, and forcing poor perimeter shots — tactics that had placed them near the top of the Eastern Conference early in the season. Yet against the Bucks, this plan fell short. They learned that even the most disciplined defense can crumble against Giannis’ relentless drive and endurance.
Author’s Summary: The Bulls’ gritty defensive plan faltered before Giannis Antetokounmpo’s unstoppable performance, reaffirming Milwaukee’s NBA Cup title ambitions.