The Milwaukee Bucks secured a 112-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 27, 2025, marking a significant return for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. After missing the previous eight games due to a calf strain, Antetokounmpo demonstrated his dominance by scoring 41 points, helping the Bucks disrupt the Bulls’ promising start to the season.
The Bulls began the game with an unexpected 10-3 lead, but the momentum shifted quickly once Antetokounmpo entered the fray. Upgraded from questionable status just hours before the game, he showcased his exceptional skills right from the start, shooting 7-9 in the first half. His performance included a three-pointer, further complicating Chicago’s defensive efforts.
Milwaukee’s interior game proved to be a significant advantage, as they went 12-16 from the restricted area in the first half. In contrast, the Bulls struggled with their shooting, finishing the night with a 41.9 percent field goal percentage. Their total of 103 points marked their lowest output since December 7, when they faced the Golden State Warriors.
While the Bulls found some success from beyond the arc, hitting 8-15 three-pointers, their overall offensive efficiency faltered. The lack of rebounding prowess continued to be a glaring issue for Chicago. They managed to secure 16 offensive rebounds, their highest since November 22, yet converted those opportunities into just 13 points. Milwaukee matched this effort, making it clear that second-chance points were not enough to turn the tide.
As the game progressed, Chicago’s inability to hold onto the ball became detrimental. They recorded 15 turnovers, with 11 occurring in the first half. These mistakes allowed Milwaukee to establish an early lead that they maintained throughout the game. In critical moments during the fourth quarter, the Bucks outperformed the Bulls on the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds to Chicago’s 9.
Despite the loss, several Bulls players displayed commendable performances. Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly, scoring 7-14 from the field, including a solid 5-7 in the fourth quarter. Zach Collins continued to provide valuable support off the bench, and Josh Giddey bounced back from a challenging first half, scoring 8 points in the third quarter to help keep the game competitive.
The closing moments of the match saw Antetokounmpo seal the victory for the Bucks. With 7 seconds left and Milwaukee leading 110-103, he controversially dunked the ball, prompting objections from the Bulls regarding the unwritten rules of sportsmanship. This incident highlighted the intense rivalry and competitive spirit between the two teams.
As the Bulls reflect on this setback, they must consider how to prevent this off-night from spiraling into a losing streak. With the season still young, finding consistency will be crucial for Chicago as they look to regain their winning form.
Elias Schuster, a seasoned sports journalist, continues to cover the Bulls and analyze the dynamics of the NBA season, providing insights that resonate with fans and analysts alike.
