Giannis Antetokounmpo Returns to Form, Sparks Bucks Past Bulls in Chi-Town 112-103
For the last three weeks, the Milwaukee Bucks looked like a ship without a rudder. Drifting through an abysmal 3-11 stretch without their captain, the team desperately needed a spark to salvage a season that felt like it was slipping away before the New Year. On Saturday night in Chicago, they didn’t just get a spark; they got the whole fire back.
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from an eight-game absence due to a right calf strain, and his presence was immediate and undeniable. Dropping 29 points and grabbing eight rebounds in just 25 minutes of action, the Greek Freak led Milwaukee to a gritty 112-103 victory, snapping the Bulls’ five-game winning streak and reminding the Eastern Conference that Milwaukee isn’t done yet.
The Difference Maker Returns
The Bucks are now 9-8 with Antetokounmpo in the lineup, compared to that ugly record without him.
He wasted no time shaking off the rust. Antetokounmpo was efficient and aggressive early, pouring in 15 points on 7-for-9 shooting in the first half alone. His gravity opened up the floor, allowing the offense to breathe in a way it hasn’t since early December. While he confirmed post-game that he’ll be on a minutes restriction for the next “5-10 games,” his impact per minute was off the charts.
Rollins and Portis Provide the Punch
While the headlines belong to Giannis, this win wasn’t a solo act. The supporting cast, perhaps emboldened by the return of their leader, stepped up in crucial moments. Ryan Rollins was a revelation, scoring 20 points, grabbing seven boards, and dishing out five assists.
Bobby Portis brought his trademark intensity off the bench, notching a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Head Coach Doc Rivers seems to have found a rhythm with a starting five that features Kevin Porter Jr., Rollins, AJ Green, Myles Turner, and Giannis.
“Shooting all on the floor,” Rivers noted regarding the lineup. I think you’ll see Myles starting to get more open shots because of it. I think you saw that tonight.”
Surviving the Fourth Quarter Surge
The game wasn’t a blowout. Chicago, led by Nikola Vucevic and Coby White (16 points each), kept pushing. With about five minutes left to play, the Bucks were clinging to a fragile 95-94 lead. In weeks past, without their closer, this is where Milwaukee might have folded.
Instead, they went on a decisive 8-0 run. Rollins and AJ Green buried back-to-back 3-pointers that sucked the air out of the United Center. The defense tightened up, forcing turnovers—Milwaukee finished with 12 steals to Chicago’s five—and they controlled the chaos down the stretch.
Sending a Message
The game ended on a note that will likely be talked about more than the score itself. With the clock winding down and the game in hand, typical sportsmanship suggests dribbling out the clock. Giannis had other ideas. He drove the lane and hammered home a windmill dunk as time expired.
It wasn’t about disrespecting the opponent; it was about waking up his own locker room.
Ryan Rollins backed his superstar’s decision immediately. “Set the tone. I love it,” Rollins said.
What’s Next for the Bucks
This win doesn’t fix everything. Milwaukee is still fighting to climb out of the bottom half of the East. But Saturday night proved that the heart of this team is still beating. They forced 15 turnovers, blocked shots, and played with a desperation that has been missing.
With Giannis back and the role players finding confidence, the Bucks have a chance to turn the corner. As Antetokounmpo put it, they are fighting for their lives, and for the first time in weeks, they looked like a team ready for the brawl.
