The Chicago Bulls outlasted the Milwaukee Bucks 132-125 on October 24, 2026, in a high-scoring NBA matchup at Fiserv Forum that featured elite individual performances on both sides. Chicago’s balanced attack and timely fourth-quarter execution proved just enough to overcome a monster night from Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Bulls answer every Milwaukee surge
Milwaukee started brightly behind Antetokounmpo’s rim pressure and Damian Lillard’s shot-making, but Chicago refused to let the game slip away. The Bulls matched Milwaukee’s intensity, moved the ball crisply, and exploited defensive mismatches with pick-and-pop actions. Every time the Bucks threatened to pull away, Chicago responded with a big shot or a momentum-changing stop.
Coby White led Chicago with 30 points, hitting several crucial shots in the second half. Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, controlling the tempo and finding open shooters throughout the night. Nikola Vucevic added 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Patrick Williams contributed 18 points and strong perimeter defense.
Key moments in a back-and-forth contest
- Milwaukee built an early 10-point lead behind Antetokounmpo’s interior dominance.
- Chicago closed the first half on a 15-5 run to tie the game at halftime.
- The Bulls opened the fourth quarter with a 12-3 surge, taking a lead they would not surrender.
- White hit back-to-back three-pointers in the final three minutes to keep Milwaukee at bay.
Antetokounmpo finished with 39 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists in a commanding performance, while Lillard added 27 points and eight assists. Brook Lopez chipped in 15 points and provided rim protection. Despite the star power, Milwaukee’s defense struggled to contain Chicago’s five-out spacing and paid the price in the closing minutes.
Tactical story: Chicago’s spacing stretches Milwaukee
Chicago’s offensive approach was designed to pull Milwaukee’s big men away from the basket. By using Vucevic as a pick-and-pop threat and keeping shooters spaced around the arc, the Bulls created driving lanes for White and Giddey. Milwaukee’s defense was forced into difficult choices: help inside and concede open threes, or stay home and allow penetration.
The Bucks remained dangerous because of Antetokounmpo’s ability to generate offense against any coverage. However, Chicago’s timely double-teams in the fourth quarter forced the ball out of his hands on a few critical possessions. The Bulls also won the turnover battle, generating extra possessions that proved decisive in a game decided by fine margins.
Season impact and takeaways
The 132-125 result is a statement win for Chicago and a reminder that the Bulls can compete with top-tier teams when their offense is clicking. Giddey’s triple-double and White’s scoring burst gave Chicago the balance it needed against a Milwaukee team led by two elite scorers. For the Bucks, the loss highlights the importance of tightening up defensively in late-game situations.
Milwaukee’s stars delivered, but Chicago’s depth and execution in the final quarter made the difference in a game that lived up to its high-scoring billing.