Bucks struggle without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard against Bulls

In the United States, on December 23, 2024, the Milwaukee Bucks achieved a significant victory against the Chicago Bulls, winning 112-91. The game was notable for the absence of two of the Bucks' star players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo missed the game due to back spasms, marking his second consecutive game off, while Lillard was sidelined with a non-COVID illness and had missed a total of three games due to this and a previous calf strain. Regardless of these absences, the Bucks showcased their depth and ability to perform as a cohesive unit. Khris Middleton led the scoring effort for the Bucks with 21 points, and Brook Lopez matched him also with 21 points. Bobby Portis made a significant contribution with 19 points and 13 rebounds. This marked a turning point for Middleton, who previously missed the start of the season due to ankle surgeries but has been returning to form, setting a season-high performance in back-to-back games. The game demonstrated how the Bucks are regaining their momentum following a rough start to the season, having won 14 of their last 18 games. The Bulls struggled throughout the game, making only 10 of their 48 three-point attempts, while the Bucks capitalized on their long-range shooting with 18 successful threes. The key moments included the Bucks maintaining a healthy lead that reached as high as 23 points in the second quarter, despite the Bulls attempting a comeback late in the third quarter. The Bucks' next game is against the Brooklyn Nets, while the Bulls will visit the Atlanta Hawks. This game highlights the ongoing challenges for the Bulls, particularly in depth and offensive execution after two consecutive losses. Overall, the Bucks proved their resilience and team strength by overcoming the absence of their stars, setting a positive tone for their upcoming matches. The continued integration of Middleton and the contributions of role players like Portis and Lopez are key factors for the team's success moving forward.