The Giannis Show: Milwaukee Bucks Trample Bulls in NBA Cup Opener 126-110
The air in Fiserv Forum crackled with the kind of energy you only get when a title defense is on the line. For the Milwaukee Bucks, this wasn’t just another early-season game; it was the start of their NBA Cup title defense. And in front of nearly 18,000 roaring fans, Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a performance that felt less like a game and more like a declaration.
When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read Bucks 126, Bulls 110. But the numbers only tell part of the story. This was a statement win, a masterclass delivered by a superstar who looked hell-bent on reminding the league that the road to the Cup still runs through Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo’s Near Triple-Double Dominance
Giannis was on a mission. He wasn’t just playing basketball; he was conducting it, bending the game to his will with every thunderous dunk and impossible pass. He finished the night just one assist shy of a triple-double, dropping an eye-watering 41 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists. It was a stat line that felt both heroic and inevitable.
The fourth quarter, however, was where the legend grew. With the Bulls desperately trying to claw their way back into the contest, Antetokounmpo simply took over. He poured in 19 of his 41 points in the final frame, each basket feeling like a dagger that chipped away at Chicago’s hopes. The defining sequence came with about four minutes left. Giannis started an 8-0 run with a confident three-pointer, then followed it up with a soaring dunk off a feed from Ryan Rollins that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. It was pure, unadulterated dominance.
New Faces, Same Winning Formula for the Milwaukee Bucks
While Giannis was the undeniable star of the show, this victory was a testament to the Bucks’ reloaded roster. Newcomer Myles Turner, playing with the fire of a man eager to prove his worth, was sensational. He dropped 23 points, his highest total since joining the Milwaukee Bucks, and provided a formidable presence in the paint. His three-point play to cap that decisive 8-0 run was the exclamation point on a stellar performance.
The surprise of the night came from Ryan Rollins, who stepped up in a big way with 20 points off the bench. He played with a veteran’s poise, providing a crucial offensive spark when the team needed it most. His chemistry with Giannis, particularly on that highlight-reel dunk, showed a connection that bodes well for the Milwaukee Bucks’ depth.
This win wasn’t just about individual heroics; it was about a team finding its rhythm. The Milwaukee Bucks extended their perfect record in NBA Cup group play to 9-0 over the event’s three-year history. It’s a streak that speaks volumes about their preparation and their killer instinct when the lights are brightest.
Bulls Show Fight, But It’s Not Enough
Credit to the Chicago Bulls, who refused to back down. Sophomore Matas Buzelis showed flashes of brilliance, leading his team with 20 points and 8 rebounds, looking every bit the promising young talent he’s touted to be.
The real story for Chicago, however, was Josh Giddey. The crafty point guard was a maestro with the ball, notching 16 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds. In doing so, he became the first Bulls player to record back-to-back triple-doubles since Michael Jordan himself did it in 1989. It’s a historic achievement, but on this night, it was a silver lining in a game a rampaging Greek superstar had already decided.
Ultimately, the Bulls had no answer for Milwaukee’s physicality and offensive firepower. Despite a solid shooting night, they were outrebounded 60-51 and simply couldn’t contain the force of nature that is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The journey continues, but for now, the defending champs have fired their opening shot, and it was a loud one.
