The phrase “Giannis Antetokounmpo dominates fourth quarter as Bucks beat Bulls 126-110 in NBA Cup play” perfectly frames the Milwaukee Bucks’ emphatic victory over the Chicago Bulls on November 7, 2025. This first matchup in East Group C of the NBA Cup set the stage for a high-octane showdown, pitting two of the league’s top teams against one another amid electric anticipation at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks, defending NBA Cup champions and undefeated in pool play over three seasons, faced a resurgent Bulls squad riding the conference’s best early record. But when the game reached its crucible in the fourth quarter, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP brilliance and Milwaukee’s relentless frontcourt presence secured a crucial win in front of their home fans.
Bucks Start Strong but Bulls Keep Pace
Milwaukee entered this contest seeking to bounce back from a tough loss in Toronto, determined not to allow back-to-back defeats early in the season. By tip-off, both teams revealed clear playoff-level intensity—each well-rested after two days off. The Bulls, led by young stars and a revitalized Josh Giddey, pressed hard, trailing by just a handful of points through much of the first three quarters. Milwaukee’s offense, orchestrated by Antetokounmpo and boosted by the contributions of Myles Turner and Ryan Rollins, maintained the edge, even as Chicago relied heavily on Matas Buzelis, Nikola Vucevic, and Giddey to answer every Bucks run.
Despite Giannis putting up solid numbers early, missed layups and tough defensive coverage saw him shoot just 9-for-21 from inside the arc through the first three quarters. Chicago’s defense was disruptive, yet the Bucks managed to lead by three to seven points heading into the final frame.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Heroics: A Fourth Quarter for the Ages
When it mattered most, “Giannis Antetokounmpo dominates fourth quarter as Bucks beat Bulls 126-110 in NBA Cup play” shifted from headline to reality. Antetokounmpo erupted, scoring 19 of his 41 points in the last 12 minutes, shooting a blistering 7-for-10 and adding three crucial assists. He drilled a momentum-swinging three-pointer, finished tough drives through contact, and distributed the ball for key buckets—including an assist for a Ryan Rollins corner triple that broke Chicago’s resistance late in the period.
After coming into the night shooting nearly 68% on the season, Antetokounmpo finished at 50% from the field (16-of-32), but his volume and aggression compensated for early misfires. He added two blocks and two steals on defense, helping Milwaukee lock down transition opportunities and keep the Bulls from making a late comeback.
Myles Turner and Bucks’ Frontcourt Emerge as X-Factors
The Bucks’ coaching staff, aware of their rebounding and defensive struggles this season, leaned heavily on their three bigs: Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and Bobby Portis Jr.. The trio pulled down 27 of Milwaukee’s 52 rebounds, a critical edge over a Chicago team known for crashing the boards. Turner recorded his best performance as a Buck to date—23 points, eight rebounds, five-of-eight from beyond the arc, and four steals. His defensive presence and timely scoring, especially a pivotal steal and three-point play late in the fourth quarter, all but sealed the outcome.
Bobby Portis provided vital relief minutes from the bench, adding consistent energy and physicality inside. Milwaukee’s ability to pull down 13 offensive rebounds resulted in 20 second-chance points, reversing a trend that had seen them rank last in the league in that metric entering the game.
Ryan Rollins’ Breakout Year—The Missing Link
Ryan Rollins continued his breakout season by contributing 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. His sharp shooting from deep (4-of-6 from three) and timely playmaking allowed Milwaukee to stretch the defense when Giannis drew double and triple teams. Rollins’ growth as a lead guard has eased the Bucks’ injury woes, especially given Kevin Porter Jr.’s extended absence due to knee surgery.
Off the bench, Cole Anthony posted 11 points and five assists, playing a crucial role in maintaining the team’s intensity during the game’s critical stretches.
Bulls Show Grit but the Bucks’ Experience Prevails
The Bulls arrived in Milwaukee with a 6-1 record and fresh off an NBA Cup-opening victory over the Knicks. Matas Buzelis led Chicago with 20 points, while Giddey recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds, continuing his all-around showings. Tre Jones and Nikola Vucevic combined for over 30 points, but the Bulls’ shooting woes from beyond the arc—just 30% as a team—limited their ability to answer Milwaukee’s late flurry.
Chicago’s efforts were hampered somewhat by recent injuries, including Ayo Dosunmu, who returned but was held to just seven points after missing the previous two contests. Despite their resilience, the Bulls simply could not match Giannis’ closing barrage.
NBA Cup Significance: Milwaukee Remains Perfect in Pool Play
The Bucks’ victory not only kept their unbeaten NBA Cup pool play record intact (now 9-0 over three seasons) but also reaffirmed their commitment to in-season success. Milwaukee’s players and coaching staff have openly spoken about treating NBA Cup games with postseason-level seriousness, motivated both by the chance for additional hardware and a substantial financial reward—over $530,000 per player for the winners this season.
Cole Anthony summed up the stakes postgame, reminding teammates that even early group-stage slip-ups could keep a championship contender out of the knockout rounds due to point differential tiebreakers. The Bucks’ sense of urgency was confirmed as they pulled away late, outscoring the Bulls by a 14-point margin over the final period.
Injury Report and What’s Next
The Bucks continue to navigate injury challenges, most notably the extended absence of Kevin Porter Jr., recovering from meniscus surgery. Taurean Prince was also out with a neck strain, and his timetable for return remains uncertain. Milwaukee’s depth was tested, but Doc Rivers’ adjustments—staggering minutes and tightening the rotation—proved effective.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will host Houston in their next fixture, while the Bulls look to regroup and defend their strong position in Group C during upcoming Cup contests.
Conclusion: A Statement Game with Season-Long Implications
When reflecting on the phrase “Giannis Antetokounmpo dominates fourth quarter as Bucks beat Bulls 126-110 in NBA Cup play,” it is clear this game was a testament to the Bucks’ championship mentality, their depth, and Giannis’ unwavering drive to deliver in the clutch. Milwaukee’s victory reinforces their position as NBA Cup favorites, sends a message to the rest of the league, and—most importantly—keeps alive their perfect pool play record as the season heats up.
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