Matas Buzelis scored 19 points as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 125-104 on Wednesday, October 14, at Fiserv Forum. Chicago improved to 2-2 in the preseason, while Milwaukee dropped to 1-3 after suffering its second consecutive home loss.
Buzelis finished 6-of-9 from the field, including 5-of-7 from three-point range, and added three assists, one steal and one block in 24 minutes. His efficient shooting helped the Bulls build a substantial advantage before halftime and maintain control throughout the second half.
Chicago established an early lead and finished the first quarter ahead 24-15. The Bulls then exploded for 38 points in the second period, extending their advantage to 62-39 at halftime.
The visitors continued their offensive production after the break, scoring 40 points in the third quarter. Chicago entered the final period with a 102-78 lead, leaving Milwaukee with too much ground to make up despite scoring 26 points in the fourth.
Leonard Miller contributed 18 points and seven rebounds off the bench, shooting 7-of-11 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Norman Powell added 16 points, making two three-pointers and all eight of his free-throw attempts, while Jalen Smith recorded 15 points and seven rebounds.
Josh Giddey finished with six points, nine assists and five rebounds in 22 minutes. Caleb Wilson added 10 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Noa Essengue scored seven points.
The Bulls shot 47% from the field and connected on 20 of their 50 three-point attempts, a 40% conversion rate. They also distributed 35 assists and recorded 14 steals, while limiting their turnovers to 21.
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Milwaukee had three players reach double figures in scoring. Kam Jones led the Bucks with 23 points, shooting 9-of-14 from the field, and added four rebounds and one assist in 22 minutes.
Brayden Burries scored 19 points, going 5-of-12 from the field and 8-of-8 at the free-throw line. Kasparas Jakucionis added 18 points and six assists, converting all 11 of his free throws, although he committed five turnovers.
Cormac Ryan contributed 14 points, including three three-pointers, while Ousmane Dieng posted 10 points and 11 rebounds. However, Milwaukee struggled from the perimeter, making just 10 of 43 attempts from three-point range, or 23%.
The Bucks also committed 30 turnovers, compared with Chicago’s 21, as the Bulls secured a convincing 21-point victory.
