Chicago Bulls fall to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Cup. 3 takeaways from the 126-110 loss.

Chicago Bulls Fall to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Cup

The Chicago Bulls struggled to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dominated with 41 points and 15 rebounds, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 126-110 victory in an NBA Cup game on Friday.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Dominance

Few players in the NBA challenge physical toughness like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 242 pounds, he combines power and agility to bulldoze through defenders with the grace of a ballerina en pointe. Antetokounmpo averages 32.3 points through three games this season and wastes no time attacking the rim.

Bulls’ Physical Approach

Coming into Milwaukee, the Bulls emphasized physicality, aiming to stand firm against a seemingly unstoppable force. They rely on drawing charges, efficient rotations, and forcing opponents into tough three-point shots—a strategy that has kept them atop the Eastern Conference this season.

Challenges in Containing Giannis

The Bulls understood that simple individual defense wouldn’t suffice against Antetokounmpo. As one observer noted:

"Slowing — not stopping — that kind of force would require deft traps and robust rotations and the endurance to withstand four quarters of bruising drives."

Despite their efforts to increase physicality and challenge him, Giannis proved too powerful, leading the Bucks toward defending their NBA Cup title this fall.

Key Takeaways

Giannis showcased his unmatched physicality with 41 points, 15 rebounds.
The Bulls’ strategy emphasized toughness and forcing low-percentage shots.
Containing Giannis demands team defense, endurance, and coordinated traps.

Author’s summary: The Bulls’ physical defense fell short as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s power and agility led the Bucks to a commanding NBA Cup victory, highlighting the challenges of guarding a dominant force.

Chicago Tribune — 2025-11-08