In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night, Josh Giddey showcased his all-around skills with a remarkable triple-double, scoring 23 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists, leading the Chicago Bulls to a 116-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This win marked a significant turnaround for the Bulls, who ended a three-game losing streak, and Giddey's performance was pivotal. After missing four games due to an ankle injury, he made a crucial contribution by sinking two free throws in the final moments and securing a rebound that helped seal the game.
Nikola Vucevic also had an impressive outing, contributing 23 points and 13 rebounds. Coby White was vital as well, scoring 22 points and hitting a critical jumper that broke the tie with just 32 seconds left on the clock. The Bulls managed to maintain a narrow lead throughout the game, ending the first half with a slight edge at 62-60.
On the other side, Damian Lillard returned for the Bucks with a strong performance, scoring 29 points and providing 12 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bulls. The Bucks were without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the game due to illness. Brook Lopez added 22 points, while Khris Middleton, who is still on a minutes restriction following offseason surgery, scored 21 points, 17 of which came in the first half. Despite a strong second-half effort from Lillard, the Bucks fell short, marking their second consecutive loss.
The game featured a back-and-forth battle, with the Bulls initially leading by as many as 13 points. The Bucks managed to take the lead at one point, but Chicago's 10-0 run in the fourth quarter proved decisive. The Bulls dominated the paint, outscoring the Bucks 56-42, which was a key factor in their victory. Looking ahead, the Bucks are set to face the Indiana Pacers on New Year’s Eve, while the Bulls will travel to Charlotte for their next game.