Josh Giddey’s triple-double fueled the Chicago Bulls to a narrow 116-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night at the United Center. The Bulls, who snapped a three-game losing streak, improved to 14-18, while the Bucks fell to 16-14 in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giddey returned to the lineup after missing four games with an ankle injury, posting 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his second triple-double of the season. His clutch free throws with 10 seconds left extended Chicago’s lead to 115-111, and his defensive rebound on Milwaukee’s final possession sealed the win.
Nikola Vucevic contributed 23 points and 13 rebounds, dominating the paint alongside Giddey. Coby White, who finished with 22 points, delivered the game-winning jumper with 32 seconds remaining.
Damian Lillard paced the Bucks with 29 points and 12 assists in his return to action. Despite a slow start, Lillard scored 18 in the second half, helping Milwaukee stay competitive without Antetokounmpo, who missed his fourth straight game due to illness.
Brook Lopez added 22 points, while Khris Middleton contributed 21, with 17 coming in the first half before a minutes restriction limited his second-half impact.
Chicago benefited from balanced contributions across the roster. Zach LaVine chipped in 15 points and seven assists, while Lonzo Ball added nine points off the bench. Defensively, the Bulls limited the Bucks to 40.2% shooting from the field, including 33.3% from three-point range.
For Milwaukee, Lillard’s playmaking kept the game close, but the team struggled without their two-time MVP, Antetokounmpo. Portis contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, but Milwaukee’s bench production fell short, combining for just 25 points.