NBA news: Milwaukee defeats Chicago in a five-games. Read the article for this NBA News.
After defeating the sixth-seeded Chicago Bulls 116-100 in Game 5, the Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the Eastern Conference playoffs. Milwaukee improved to 8-0 in closeout games under head coach Mike Budenholzer, with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring a game-high 33 points.
The Bulls were missing many important players Wednesday night. It includes Zach LaVine (COVID procedures) and Alex Caruso (concussion protocols). As well as Lonzo Ball, who missed the whole series due to a season-ending knee injury. They were defeated in just five games by the reigning champs.
The Bucks, who were seeded third, will face the Boston Celtics, who swept the Brooklyn Nets in their first-round series. Bobby Portis missed a 3-pointer on the game’s very opening possession, and it caromed nearly straight up into the air.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo was waiting for it on the way down. And he hammered it in with force for the game’s first basket. To be honest, it was a great play. But it was all a little too simple for a player of his talent.
Budenholzer stated, “He was part of that strategy coming out early in the first quarter, some and-ones, going to the free-throw line, playing unselfishly.” “I just believed he, like the rest of the group, had the appropriate approach.”
NBA News: The Bulls entered this series without one of their best players in Lonzo Ball
That first play set the tone for the rest of the night, as Giannis made quick work of a Bulls defense that had no answers for him this series. He utilized his muscle to bully his way to the basket at times, and he used elegance at other times.
The Bulls came into this series without one of their greatest players in Lonzo Ball, and by Game 5 on Wednesday, they were also without LaVine and Caruso (due to health and safety procedures) (concussion).
DeMar DeRozan was left as their only true creative force, and the Bucks concluded he would not beat them.
The Bucks sat on his right hip the whole game, pushing him to drive left, and when he did, they flashed many bodies. Trying to push his way to the rim, shooting contested shots, or passing were his alternatives. He had to choose the latter more frequently than not.
Take a look at this possession from the third quarter. DeRozan comes off many screens in an attempt to gain some space, and as soon as he catches the ball, Wesley Matthews is virtually behind him on his right side.
Three separate defenders collapse as DeRozan draws up to try to shoot, forcing him to pass it off to Javonte Green, who airballs a floater.
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