Last night’s matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls had been circled on many calendars in the months leading up to it. With Milwaukee defending their title and Chicago back in the contending conversation, it appeared that the historic rivalry between these Central Division rivals could be rekindled this season. Yet, no one would know until the two teams finally squared off, which finally happened for the first time this season last night.
Despite all of the stars at work between both teams, this was an outright grueling game to watch. The Bucks and the Bulls had their share of struggles throughout the game, particularly on one side of the basketball, which will be discussed in just a moment. After 48 minutes, Milwaukee secured a 94-90 victory on their home floor. Not only is this another solid win for the Bucks, but it will also help the champs gain much-needed ground in the jam-packed Eastern Conference standings as they inch closer to the top.
While everyone is already looking forward to the next matchup between these two, let us focus on last night’s game for a moment and take a closer look at three takeaways.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls both played incredibly ugly games offensively
Any contest with a final score of 94-90 in today’s NBA is undoubtedly going to turn some heads. No, it was not because both teams played downright elite defense against one another, but rather that neither could throw a rock in the ocean consistently for 48 minutes.
The Bucks shot a horrific 33-of-88 (38.6 percent) from the field, including 6-of-31 (19.4 percent) from 3-point range, in this one. They just could not find a rhythm whatsoever, and it did not help that they struggled mightily at the free throw line as they shot just 20-of-28 (71.4 percent). It is odd to see the Bucks win a game when they put up such lackluster shooting numbers, but their opponent was just a tad worse than they were on the night.
The Bulls looked discombobulated offensively as they shot 31-of-85 (36.5 percent) from the floor, including 7-of-38 (18.4 percent) from long range. Aside from DeMar DeRozan, who has been on a tear in Chicago this season, the Bulls did not have a consistent lifeline offensively all night. Yet, the MVP candidate kept them afloat by scoring 35 points on the night. While he did his share of tough shots, his 18 free throw attempts undoubtedly stand out. Still, the Bucks managed to survive.
Games like this where both teams go cold are bound to happen every once in a while. It makes for an ugly viewing, but it is just as fulfilling watching the Milwaukee Bucks get the win in the end.