Chicago ended its ugly streak by knocking off Milwaukee

That was the theme of the evening. After that the end of the Spurs streak (11-game winning streak) on the Knicks’ floor, it’s Chicago’s turn to end their streak. Billy Donovan’s men have gone 11 games without a win (a franchise record) since January 31st. To start the month of March off on the right foot, Gershon Yabusele’s teammates managed to come back to win thanks to a great finish!

After a balanced first quarter (30-32), Milwaukee suddenly went on a 17-0 run. The run was especially fueled by two assists from Usman Dieng, who then added an open 3-pointer and basket in the mid-range to give his team a 16-length lead (37-53)! Chicago immediately responded by going on a 12-2 run thanks to a 3-point run by Josh Giddy, Gershon Yabusele and Colin Sexton (49-55), but it was the Bucks who finished strong, building a 15-point advantage thanks in particular to a 3+1 and a 3-point counterattack from AJ AJ (551-66).

The bulls rushed headlong

We finally had to wait until the third quarter to see the Bulls regain momentum. It all started with another three-pointer from Josh Giddy, followed by a sequence in transition that was finished by Guerschon Iabusele that brought life back to the United center. Colin Sexton started with his long dart and then imitated Jabusele in the corner to make it 19-4 (72-73). Bobby Portis struggled to keep Milwaukee in the lead until Cam Thomas scored 2+1 to make it 81-89. The Jones-Sexton pair managed to get Chicago back within -2 to end the third quarter (87-89), enough to start what would be a one-sided finish to the match!

Building on their momentum, the Bulls went an impressive 27-0 to cruise to victory! Colin Sexton led the way before handing the baton to Matas Bouzelis who hit a huge poster on Bobby Portis before hitting a triple and then leaving Josh Guiddy and Nick Richards to put on a show with a smashing street! The wild run ended with a 3-pointer by Josh Giddy, cutting Milwaukee to within 19 (108-89). More than enough to finish the match without pressure and secure a valuable victory (120-97), the first on home soil since January 25!

WHAT TO REMEMBER

27-0, a franchise record. What a series! Between the end of the third quarter and the middle of the final act, Chicago built its defense into an impenetrable wall to overcome Milwaukee, which never recovered. All of that added up to a historic 27-0 run marked by the Buzzellis-Richards pair and allowed the Bulls to smile again. At least that should have ended the ugly streak of 11 consecutive losses.

Another triple-double for Josh Giddy. The leader of the Bulls dominated the debates with his skill and vision of the game, finishing the game with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. Important baskets, and this great alley-oop pass by Nick Richards is the icing on the cake.

Ousmane Dieng and Guerschon Iabusele, each with their own style. The two Frenchmen had the opportunity to show themselves. We will especially remember Usman Dieng’s great pass before the break, during which he shone with his precision. Cleaning that unfortunately was not continued (7 points, 3 assists in 21 minutes). In another, rougher style, Gershon Yabusele also contributed to the Bulls, especially when the locals were struggling, to keep hope in his camp. Great production in the finish with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals and the Bulls’ first win.

Un Matas Buzelis “Griffin-esque”. Colin Sexton was the X factor of this match with his 22 points off the bench, but Matas Bouzelis was also valuable. The Bulls’ Q4 gradually gained momentum, and again stood out with a sensational dunk against Bobby Portis. During Chicago’s wild streak, he rewarded the crowd with a poster-sized dunk on Bobby Portis, smashing the ball toward the rim like Blake Griffin at his peak.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.