The Chicago Bulls ended their 11-game losing streak in emphatic fashion on Saturday night, dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks 120-97 behind a stunning 27-0 scoring run that flipped the game and ignited the United Center crowd. The victory marked Chicago’s first win since January 31 and halted what had become the franchise’s third-worst skid in decades.
What began as another uneasy evening for the Bulls turned into a decisive statement of resilience. Powered by Josh Giddey’s 20-point, 14-rebound, 10-assist triple-double and a balanced offensive attack that produced seven double-digit scorers, Chicago overwhelmed a Bucks team that unraveled in the second half.
A Run That Changed Everything
The game hinged on a breathtaking stretch that bridged the third and fourth quarters. Trailing late in the third, the Bulls mounted a 27-0 blitz, part of a broader 39-8 fourth-quarter surge that left Milwaukee reeling.
The Bucks went more than 7½ minutes without scoring, missing 17 consecutive shots before Kevin Porter Jr. finally broke the drought with two free throws. In that span, Chicago moved with pace and precision, turning defensive stops into transition baskets and half-court sets into open looks.
Milwaukee managed just eight points in the fourth quarter and shot a dismal 10-for-47 (21.3 percent) in the second half. What had been a competitive contest quickly became a rout.
Giddey Anchors a Balanced Attack
Giddey controlled the tempo throughout, recording his eighth triple-double of the season and the 15th of his Bulls tenure. “Josh Giddey had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists for his eighth triple-double this season,” according to official game data — numbers that underscored his role as Chicago’s steadying force.
Collin Sexton added 22 points, including key baskets during the game-turning run. Matas Buzelis scored 20 points, Leonard Miller delivered a career-high 15, and contributions flowed from across the roster:
- Tre Jones: 13 points
- Guerschon Yabusele: 12 points
- Nick Richards: 11 points
Chicago committed 18 turnovers, an issue that lingered throughout the losing streak. But against a Bucks team equally careless with the ball — 19 turnovers — the mistakes proved manageable.
Bucks Falter Without Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee entered halftime in command, leading 66-51 after a 17-0 second-quarter run that briefly silenced the home crowd. But the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined for his 15th straight game with a calf strain, loomed larger as the night wore on.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 18 points, while Cam Thomas contributed 15. AJ Green scored 13, and Ryan Rollins nearly filled the box score with 11 points, seven assists and seven rebounds. Yet none could halt the avalanche once Chicago seized momentum.
The collapse was stark. After trading runs through three quarters, Milwaukee’s offense stalled into isolation and forced attempts. Shots rimmed out. Possessions ended hurriedly. Chicago, by contrast, played with clarity and urgency.
A Season Series Evened
The win allowed Chicago to salvage the finale of the four-game season series. The Bulls now hold a razor-thin 138-137 all-time edge over Milwaukee, adding another chapter to a long-standing divisional rivalry.
More immediately, the result restored belief in a locker room that had gone winless through February. The 27-0 run was less a spark and more a controlled detonation — a reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn in professional basketball.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks return home to face Boston on March 2, tasked with regrouping after one of their most lopsided quarters of the season. The Bulls host Oklahoma City on March 3, carrying momentum that had eluded them for more than a month.
For a franchise searching for traction, Saturday’s victory offered proof that even a season sliding sideways can pivot in a matter of minutes. In a league defined by runs, the Bulls delivered one that ended not just a game — but a streak that had come to define their winter.
