Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes for 41 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists as the Bucks take down the Bulls, 122-106.
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The Milwaukee Bucks are finding their groove, largely due to the dominant play of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Just 11 days ago, the Bucks fell to 2-8 after a 113-107 loss to the Celtics, a game that Bucks coach Doc Rivers identified as a “learning moment.”
“We came out flat. That happens — I don’t know why,” Rivers said after the loss to Boston. “We were the aggressor for two quarters, and then they were the aggressor in the 3rd … and we really never played well again.”
Fast forward to Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls, and a similar storyline began to unfold. After building an 18-point lead in the second quarter, the Bucks saw it whittle down to just two points after the break. But this time, Antetokounmpo refused to let the game slip away.
The two-time Kia MVP put the team on his back, scoring 25 of Milwaukee’s 29 points in the third quarter alone. He finished the game with 41 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, leading the Bucks to a 122-106 win over the Bulls.
Antetokounmpo’s performance was historic. It marked his 21st career game with 40+ points while shooting over 70% from the field, breaking a tie with Adrian Dantley for the most in NBA history. Giannis was unstoppable in the third quarter, shooting 11-for-13 from the field. The only other Bucks player to score a field goal in the period was AJ Green, who knocked down a 3-pointer, assisted by Giannis.
While Giannis led the charge, Milwaukee’s supporting cast also delivered. Brook Lopez scored 21 points, notching his third 20+ point performance in the last four games, while Damian Lillard added 20 points and 10 assists.
Since their rocky 2-8 start, the Bucks have won four of their last five games, improving to 6-9 on the season. The team is showing signs of growth and cohesion, something Antetokounmpo emphasized after the victory.
“We’re getting better,” said Giannis after Wednesday’s win. “We trust one another, and we’re improving.”
