Giannis Antetokounmpo Stats Tonight: How did the Bucks superstar fare against Bulls (Oct. 14) | 2024 NBA preseason
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks hosted the Chicago Bulls on Monday in a preseason game. The “Greek Freak,” who had an impressive performance in a 107-102 loss to the LA Lakers on Thursday, put on another scintillating display against Chicago.
Against the Lakers, Antetokounmpo had 20 points in 20 minutes. Versus the Bulls, he scattered 24 points in 23 minutes of action. The All-Star forward added 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. He led the Bucks to a 111-107 win, their preseason win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's stats against the Chicago Bulls:
The two-time MVP had another superb start, finishing with seven points and two assists in the first quarter. Milwaukee, though, struggled to keep up with the visitors’ efficiency and pace. The Bulls opened the game without key players such as Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic and Coby White but still took a 34-24 lead after the first period.
Antetokounmpo's efficient night continued in the second quarter. Chicago's undersized frontcourt had no answer to the "Greek Freak." The Bulls were forced to foul him to prevent him from scoring at will. He went 10-for-12 from the charity stripe in the first half.
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers leaned on Antetokounmpo on both ends of the floor even more in the third quarter. After trailing 59-68 at halftime, the Bucks surged to a 91-83 lead after the third frame. Antetokounmpo opened the period with four straight points to set the tone for the Bucks.
Chicago Bulls had limited options against Giannis Antetokounmpo
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan rested Nikola Vucevic while Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith were held out due to injuries. Without them, Donovan had to rely on 6-foot-9 center Adam Sanogo to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Sanogo showed grit, energy and hustle but the two-time MVP proved too tough to contain. Dalen Terry, E.J. Liddell and Kenneth Lofton Jr. are all under 6-foot-8. They could only do so much against Antetokounmpo's mobility, size and skills.
Chicago's defensive stance turned into a free-throw party for Antetokounmpo. The play might have worked on most days but it didn't happen on Monday. Milwaukee's franchise cornerstone hit 12-of-16 free throws to punish the Bulls.