After a few days off, the Milwaukee Bucks return to action Monday night at Fiserv Forum against the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks (15-7) are looking to rebound from not only their loss Thursday night to Indiana in Las Vegas in the semifinals of the season championship, but also an upset overtime loss to the Bulls (9-14) on Nov. 30 in the tournament. United Center.
That was the beginning of Chicago’s current four-game winning streak.
Milwaukee shot 60% (12-for-20) from behind the three-point line to lead the Bulls 74-65 at halftime. The Bucks also only turned it around once, but they allowed the Bulls to stay close thanks to a 50% 3-point shooting clip. Giannis Antetokounmpo attempted just two shots in the first half and Damian Lillard was 2 for 9. Malik Beasley and Bobby Portis each scored 11 points for Milwaukee. .
DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points on 14 shots for Chicago.
Brook Lopez scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the first quarter to give the Bucks a 37-32 lead. All five starters scored for Milwaukee, and Bobby Portis added eight goals off the bench. DeRozan and Coby White each had nine points for Chicago.
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. Giannis Antetokounmpo starts for the Bucks.
Alex Caruso has been ruled out for the Bulls game
Guard Alex Caruso tested his left ankle before the game but was ultimately ruled out by Chicago. Caruso hit a 3-pointer over Brook Lopez at the end of regulation that led the Bulls to a 3-pointer over the Bucks in overtime on November 30.
Pax injury report
- Pat Connaughton, out (sprained right ankle) Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin said Connaughton will get some court work Monday and is hopeful he can return to action in about a week. Connaughton sprained his ankle against Miami on November 29.
- Jae Crowder, out (left adductor muscle surgery)
- Chris LivingstonOUT (Sprained Left Ankle) The rookie outfielder injured his ankle during his G League stint with the Wisconsin Herd, Griffin said.
How to watch:Bucks vs. Bulls start time, TV, live stream, odds
Bucks starting lineup
- guards: Damian Lillard, owner of Beasley
- Attackers: Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo
- center: Brook Lopez
Bobby Portis and Adrian Griffin talk in the locker room after losing the season championship to the Pacers
Many Bucks players left Las Vegas feeling a little disappointed with the way their 128-119 loss to the Pacers ended. Antetokounmpo pointed to a general lack of organization on the offensive end and said players need to perform better down the stretch. Lillard and Middleton had meltdowns where the ball was turned over in a key spot and both talked about being better in that situation.
a Bleacher report The story said late Thursday that Bobby Portis interrupted coach Adrian Griffin’s postgame speech to the team and called on the coach and the team to be better.
Both Griffin and Portis addressed the report Sunday after practice:
Griffin: “I’m not going to comment on what’s been reported. We’re a passionate group. We hate to lose. We’re a group together. I love coaching this group. We only have winners and guys of high character. Whatever” the internal dialogue happens in our locker room, and it stays In our locker room. But, we had a great, great training today. Probably one of our best practices. I love the atmosphere in the gym. Great energy. Then we just get ready for Chicago.”
Portis: “I don’t want to talk too much about what happens in our locker room. What happens in our locker room is just a sacred thing between us. That’s how it’s always been. I don’t know how it gets reported. But, at the same time, man Just a competitor. I love competition. I think I’m a leader. I lead by voice and I also lead by example. Just some of the things I’ve developed over my career and my time here. “I’ve been here for over 1,000 days now, so the guys know me, they know who I am. They know I wear my heart on my sleeve. I compete at a high level on a daily basis, whether the shots are going or not, whether I’m playing well or not. No, I’m here to improve the team. So just being a leader, being a voice and everyone else’s opinions outside of our team, that’s just their opinion of me or our team. “I’m here for all the right reasons.”
Giannis was named to the First Team All-Tournament during the season
The Bucks’ run in Las Vegas ended early with a semifinal loss to Indiana on Thursday, but because of his efforts during the team’s six preseason tournament games, Antetokounmpo was named to the all-tournament team.
He was joined by reigning MVP LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant and Oshkosh native Tyrese Haliburton.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 29 points per game on 64.6% shooting in the Bucks’ championship games. He also averaged 8.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
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