Milwaukee Bucks Grades and Reactions to 2OT 113-106 Loss to Chicago Bulls in Game Three

Apr 23, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson (31) and Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) reach for a rebound during the third quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

There was a time when the Bucks held a nineteen point lead. There was a time when the Bucks were a Khris Middleton three pointer or an O.J. Mayo jumper from stunning the Chicago Bulls on the BMO Harris Bradley Center floor. Make no mistake–there will be a time for the Milwaukee Bucks, but that time has not yet come.

In front of one of the most energetic crowds this side of World Cup soccer, the Milwaukee Bucks gave the Chicago Bulls everything they could handle before bowing out in double overtime, 113-106.

Those questioning the effect of a Bucks’ home crowd were answered in full as the home team raced out to a 49-31 lead with 4:54 left in the second quarter. It had the feel of a laugher, a rout, a good ol’ home-town stomping; but a swift 18-2 Bulls’ run put Bucks fans back in their seats and left them scratching their head as to what had just transpired.

The Bucks managed to take a four point lead into halftime, but left fans wondering which Bucks team they would see in the second half–the one that blitzed the Bulls with deep shooting and crisp ball movement, or the one that haemorrhaged eighteen points in less than four minutes.

It was mostly the latter. That is, until the last 1:27 of regulation when the Bucks, led by Khris Middleton’s lightning-fast eight points, turned a 94-86 deficit into a 95-94 advantage with :10 seconds remaining, But a Derrick Rose free throw pulled the Bulls even at 95, sending the game into overtime.

The first overtime session featured tons of defense–each team mustered just six points each and no points between the two teams in the last 2:30 of the extra session.

The second overtime session ended in sadness which will not be uttered here.

The Bucks now face a seemingly insurmountable deficit going into game four down 0-3 needing four straight wins to advance to the second round. Perhaps the Chicago Bulls will perform a “gentleman’s sweep” and close out in front of the United Center crowd.

Either way the Bucks’ stay in the playoffs is nearing its finale. DON’T DISTRESS BUCK’S FANS! We’re playing with house money, remember? And we saw some really good things from the young Bucks in Game 3 that gives hope for the future. Read more about it in our Milwaukee Bucks grades and reactions to the Game 3 113-106 double-overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls.

Next: Reactions: The Good