Coby White scores 35 points as the Bulls outscore the Bucks 133-122 and get into the win column

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Coby White scored 35 points and the hot-shooting Chicago Bulls spoiled Milwaukee's home opener with a 133-122 victory over the Bucks on Friday.

Zach LaVine added 25 points, Nikola Vucevic had 22 and Josh Giddey scored 17 for the Bulls, who shot 21 of 47 from 3-point range.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 38 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Damian Lillard had 28 points but only managed 3 of 12 from deep.

After five lead changes in the first three minutes of the third quarter, the Bulls broke a 72-point tie and took the lead for good by scoring seven straight points.

Takeaways

Bulls: White was just two points shy of his career-high 37 points, which he scored against Sacramento last season. … Lonzo Ball did not play for the Bulls two days after playing in his first regular-season game since Jan. 14, 2022, as he returned from multiple knee surgeries. He will be available for the home opener on Saturday.

Bucks: Two nights after coming off a strong showing in a 124-109 season-opening win at Philadelphia, the Bucks struggled mightily on defense and didn't give Antetokounmpo and Lillard enough help on offense. … Khris Middleton remained out as he recovered from offseason surgeries on each of his ankles.

Key moment

After Milwaukee's AJ Green made two three-pointers in the first minute of the fourth quarter to cut Chicago's lead to 102-101, Patrick Williams responded with a three-pointer of his own. Williams' basket started a 13-1 run and the Bucks never seriously threatened again.

Key statistics

The Bulls' 21 3-pointers were the most in a game since they made a franchise record 25 against New Orleans on February 10, 2021.

Next

The Bulls play their home opener on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Bucks play in Brooklyn on Sunday.

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