Michael Carter-Williams
The Milwaukee Bucks were getting tired of the Chicago Bulls and their fans, marching into the Bradley Center and treating it as their own. But until last night, the Bucks have had no say in the matter.
Finally, the Bucks put up a fight, knocking off the Bulls 95-91 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
Not only did the Bucks avoid a sweep of the season series, but they ended a 6-game losing streak against the Bulls and even more important, ended a 9-game losing skid to the Bulls at the Bradley Center.
Michael Carter-Williams scored 21 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Bucks, who moved 2 1/2 games in front of idle Miami, 2 1/2 in front of Brooklyn and 3 ahead of Boston. The Nets and Celtics both won last night.
Jimmy Butler had 25 points to lead the Bulls. Pau Gasol added 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Ersan Ilyasova added 16 points and Khris Middleton had 14 to go along with MCW’s 21. O.J. Mayo also had his best game since returning from injury, scoring 13 points.
The Bucks made some improvements defensively against Chicago, holding the Bulls to 19% shooting from three-point range. The Bulls hit just 5 of 26 shots from distance.
At the moment, the Bulls still occupy third place in the Eastern Conference while the Bucks are holding down the six-spot. If it stays that way, the two teams would hook up in the opening round of the playoffs. It was important for the Bucks to show last night that they could beat the Bulls.