CHICAGO (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing for a successful playoff run, and they are on a winning streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 46 points and 16 rebounds as the Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls 113-97 on Friday night.
Antetokounmpo set a milestone by becoming the Milwaukee player with the most wins, counting playoffs, with his 489th victory. The Bucks secured their fifth consecutive win.
Despite some heated exchanges that resulted in Nikola Vucevic’s ejection, the game lacked significant drama. The Bucks maintained a 14-point lead at halftime and went on a 17-0 run in the fourth quarter after the Bulls narrowed the gap to eight.
Coach Doc Rivers emphasized the team’s focus on preparation for the long term and the need for continuous improvement. The Bucks’ recent defensive performances have been promising, with the team holding opponents to under 100 points in their last four games.
Damian Lillard and Patrick Beverley contributed to the Bucks’ victory, with Lillard scoring 16 points and Beverley adding 14. DeMar DeRozan of the Bulls reached a career milestone of 23,000 points but expressed frustration with the officiating.
Vucevic was ejected in the fourth quarter for a hard foul after a no-call, contributing to the Bucks’ victory. Antetokounmpo praised the team’s trust in each other as a key factor in their success.
The Bucks outplayed the Bulls in the first half, with Antetokounmpo showcasing his skills. The team’s solid performance positioned them for a comfortable win against Chicago.
UP NEXT
Bucks: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
Bulls: At Sacramento on Monday night. ___
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