Coby White scored 35 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 133-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. The Bulls spoiled Milwaukee’s home opener and improved to 1-1 on the season.
Zach LaVine contributed 25 points, while Nikola Vucevic added 22 points. Josh Giddey chipped in with 17 points as the Bulls shot 21 of 47 from three-point range.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Damian Lillard supported with 28 points, but struggled from deep, making only 3 of 12 three-pointers.
The game featured a back-and-forth battle early in the third quarter. Five lead changes in the first three minutes kept the tension high. The Bulls broke a 72-all tie, scoring seven consecutive points to gain the upper hand.
White’s performance came just two points shy of his career high of 37 points, which he set against Sacramento last season. Lonzo Ball did not play for Chicago, although he is expected to be available for their home opener on Saturday after recently returning from knee surgeries.
The Bucks, who began their season with a victory over Philadelphia, struggled defensively. The absence of Khris Middleton due to offseason surgeries on both ankles further hampered Milwaukee’s efforts to support their stars.
