The Milwaukee Bucks kick off the season 2-0 against the Chicago Bulls with a 115-101 road victory.
After a tough bout with the Bulls last week, Chicago maintained their peskiness in the opening half. The score mostly fluxed with Giannis Antetokounmpo. When he was on the court they pulled away, but when he sat on the bench that gap tightened. Fittingly, he ended +12 on the night. Milwaukee led 60-56 at halftime, and somewhere in the third quarter, the Bucks planted their foot. They pulled away throughout the late third and early fourth quarter, and despite a close call around the six minute mark, Milwaukee survived for their tenth win of the year.
Giannis exploded out of the gates, rattling off nine early points. That stint acted as a tone setter for the night, as the MVP threw down a handful of his usual emphatic slams and drilled outside shots efficiently early on. He finished with 33 points on 2-6 shooting from three (along with some clutch free throws despite ending 5-12 from the line).
Donte DiVincenzo started again tonight, and in the process, he showed why he could assume a major offensive role sooner rather than later. He scored 15 points, his quick trigger from outside giving the offense a slight isolation presence without Khris Middleton.
For the Bulls, Daniel Gafford showed his development into an NBA offense, flashing his athleticism with a few vicious slams throughout his 21 point outing, the first points of his NBA career.
Stat That Stood Out
Giannis (only) hauled in 10 rebounds tonight, tied with Brook Lopez. This was his first game all year where he didn’t lead the team in that category.