The Chicago Bulls had no answers for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dominated with 41 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 126-110 victory in the NBA Cup game on Friday night.
Playing in Milwaukee, the Bulls faced a test of physical strength and resilience. Despite their focus on toughness and defense, they struggled to contain one of the league’s most relentless players.
“Few NBA players test toughness more than Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
The Bulls had spent weeks focusing on physical play—drawing charges, rotating fast, and forcing low-percentage shots from the perimeter. This approach had brought them early success in the Eastern Conference standings. But against Antetokounmpo, that same strategy fell short.
Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 242 pounds, Antetokounmpo dashed through defenders with the elegance of a dancer and the strength of a tank. While he can glide around nearly anyone, he often prefers to power straight through them. Averaging 32.3 points through three games, he continues to attack the rim with ruthless efficiency.
“Antetokounmpo loves to win games that mean something.”
For Giannis and the Bucks, the NBA Cup carries real weight, and they intend to defend their title this fall. The Bulls knew containing him would demand precise traps, sharp rotations, and stamina for four quarters—yet even that wasn’t enough to slow the reigning champions.
The Bulls showcased grit, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s commanding performance underscored Milwaukee’s dominance and the Bulls’ limitations in high-stakes competition.