During the Thursday night NBA slate, the Milwaukee Bucks won their 12th straight, beating the Chicago Bulls 112-100, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way as the team’s career assists leader.
Brook Lopez stepped up in a major way by setting a new season-high 33 points. A 22-point performance by Jevon Carter and a 15-point and nine-assist performance by Jrue Holiday were the highlights against his hometown team.
“We’ll just see how he feels tomorrow, see how he feels the next few days and continue to evaluate it,” Budenholzer said.
No serious threat ever presented itself to the Bucks. In spite of all that, Antetokounmpo’s injury tainted a team that otherwise had so much going for it heading into the break. It remains unclear if he will still participate in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
Coby White drove past him as he tried to block the two-time MVP’s finger roll attempt. When he reached out before crashing into the padded stanchion, he jammed his wrist – perhaps to soften the blow. Soon afterwards, he was subbed out and went to the locker room after flexing his hand.
“He’s a guy that’s attacking the basket all the time,” Budenholzer said. “He’s fearless. He takes a lot of falls so you kind of learn to just expect him to always just bounce back up, and that’s what we’re hoping for from this one.”
NBA SCORES & NEWS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Chicago Bulls Updates
As a result, Antetokounmpo broke Paul Pressey’s 1982-1990 record of 3,272 points over a decade to end the season with two points and three assists. In addition, he grabbed seven rebounds.
A 3-point shot by Lopez two minutes into the game tied Antetokounmpo’s assists record, and Carter’s 3 made the Milwaukee lead 19-10. Among his career achievements are his blocks, triple-doubles, made free throws, attempted free throws, minutes played, and blocks.
“It’s greatness, right?” Holiday said. “Especially to do it with one franchise, to be here through the ups and the downs, to see where he started and where he is now. I’m so happy for him.”
Lopez made three three-pointers, and for the first time in three games, the Bucks beat Chicago behind four three-pointers from Carter. Six straight losses are the worst skid for the Bulls since losing six consecutive games in 2020-21.
NBA SCORES & NEWS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Chicago Bulls Updates
Despite making the playoffs a year ago, they finished 26-33, seven games under .500. With 22 points and 16 rebounds, Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls. Zach LaVine scored a total of 18 points, and 16 points were scored by Patrick Williams.
“We’re not just throwing in the towel,” LaVine said. “I don’t think we have the type of team or personnel to do that. Losing hurts.”
Khris Middleton and DeMar DeRozan were sidelined due to strained right quadriceps. Milwaukee’s Middleton had been out for most of the season due to a sore knee.
“I think we’re overall not concerned, but we’ll see how he does over the break and just continue to work with him and make sure he’s in a good place when he plays,” Budenholzer said.
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