After starting the season with eight losses in their first 10 games, the Milwaukee Bucks are gradually finding their rhythm.
Milwaukee has won three of its last four games, heading into a Wednesday matchup against the visiting Chicago Bulls. The Bulls broke a two-game losing streak with a 122-112 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
The Bucks’ most recent win was a close 101-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday, secured by Damian Lillard’s basket with 3.9 seconds remaining.
Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, ending the Rockets’ five-game winning streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 20 points and 13 assists.
Lillard, returning after missing three games due to concussion protocol, contributed 18 points and a season-high 10 assists. The Bucks limited Houston to 40 percent shooting from the field and 28.1 percent (9 of 32) from three-point range.
Milwaukee aims to even the season series against Chicago after a 133-122 loss on October 25. The Bulls showed resilience on Monday after allowing 287 points in consecutive losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets.
In Sunday’s 143-107 loss to the Rockets, the Bulls were outscored 41-26 in the second quarter and allowed Houston to shoot 52.4 percent from the field.
Chicago coach Billy Donovan was pleased with his team’s response on Monday, as they held the Pistons to 34.1 percent shooting from three-point range (15 of 44).
Nikola Vucevic had 29 points and 12 rebounds in the victory, with Zach LaVine adding 25 points.
Vucevic has had an impressive start this season, averaging 20.7 points while shooting 59.4 percent from the field, 48.4 percent from three-point range, and 84.8 percent from the free-throw line.
