Bucks Zone

The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls in their preseason opener as Giannis, Dame, and Khris sit out

MarJon steps up in the absence of superstar teammates.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out, as well as new superstar recruit Damian Lillard, but the Milwaukee Bucks still emerged victorious in their first preseason game, beating the Chicago Bulls, 105-102, on Sunday afternoon at the Fiserv Forum.

Khris Middleton, Cameron Payne, and rookie Chris Livingston also did not suit up in a game that saw the Bucks trail by as many as 14 points before mounting a big run in the fourth quarter.

Getting a huge lift from MarJon

MarJon Beauchamp gave the Bucks a huge lift on the bench, finishing with a team-high 18 points and nine rebounds.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo was also productive in a reserve role as chipped in 14 points. Malik Beasley scored 13, Brook Lopez added 11, while Jae Crowder chimed in 10 points.

Big fourth-quarter rally

Down by four at the start of the final period, 78-82, the Bucks unleashed their defensive fangs and held the Bulls to just two points in more than six minutes while unloading 14 points to seize the lead, 90-84.

The Bulls fought back late in the game, tying the game at 99 on a layup by Adama Sanogo with 1:01 left. A basket by Drew Timme following two critical offensive rebounds gave the Bucks a two-point lead, 101-99, with 29 seconds remaining.

MarJon Beauchamp scored Milwaukee’s last four points, all coming from the free throw line and keeping the Bulls at bay.

Coby White led the Bulls with 14 points, while Patrick Williams added 13. Chicago's top guns, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Zach LaVine, each logged 17 minutes of playing time, with neither scoring in double figures and finishing with a combined 20 points. 

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.