Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls: The defense of the Cup begins

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls: The Defense of the Cup Begins

The Milwaukee Bucks start their NBA title defense tonight against division rival Chicago Bulls. This game kicks off a four-match series between the two I-94 rivals.

The Bucks aim to recover after a lackluster loss to the Toronto Raptors, while the Bulls try to maintain their strong momentum following a win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

Bucks’ Performance and Challenges

The Bucks show streaky play. At times, their offense is unstoppable with shots falling effortlessly; at others, turnovers and missed shots suddenly pile up. Their defense is solid, highlighted by Myles Turner's rim protection with numerous blocks. However, the team struggles with basic fundamentals like boxing out and avoiding fake pump jumps.

This volatility seems linked to the team's roster adjustments, with new players integrating and others taking on bigger roles. Their 5-3 record reflects more highs than lows, but improving their second-quarter play could make a significant difference.

Chicago Bulls’ Surprising Start

Initially seen as an average team likely to compete for a play-in spot, the Bulls have been the season’s surprise. They hold a 6-1 record with notable wins over the Pistons, Magic, and Knicks.

Josh Giddey has been a standout performer, posting averages of 23.1 points, 10.0 assists, and 9.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 41.9% from three-point range.

"One moment, every shot goes in and the offense looks unstoppable, the next, turnovers and bricks are flying out of nowhere."

"The defense seems stout, and Myles Turner is blocking every shot that is near the rim, but then the Bucks somehow forget the core concept of boxing out and not jumping on pump fakes."

"Chicago was expected to be very average and likely in a play-in spot. But through the first few weeks of the season, the Bulls have been the surprise team of the season."

Author's summary: The Bucks and Bulls open their rivalry series with contrasting starts; Bucks battle consistency while Bulls surprise with a strong record and key player performances.

Brew Hoop — 2025-11-07