NBA · October 14, 2026
Bulls Thrash Bucks 125-104 in Stunning Upset
The Chicago Bulls delivered a shocking display of dominance on Tuesday night, dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks 125-104 in a game that upended all conventional wisdom. Entering the contest, the Bulls were viewed as significant underdogs, with the Bucks favored to secure a routine victory in front of their home crowd. However, the final scoreline tells a story of a home team completely unprepared for the energy and efficiency brought by its visitors, resulting in a rout that left fans and analysts questioning the preseason narrative surrounding Milwaukee.
The pre-game case rested heavily on the Bulls needing a perfect storm to pull off an away win against a superior opponent. Analysts suggested that Chicago would only have a chance if their young core, featuring Giddey, Powell, and Buzelis, hit an unusually high volume of early three-pointers while Milwaukee’s bench struggled due to potential late-night roster changes. The forecast assumed a high-volatility outcome where shooting luck and minutes distribution would dictate the winner, rather than a straightforward tactical battle. This skepticism was rooted in the historical advantage of home-court advantage in the league.
That cautious outlook was proven entirely wrong, as the Bulls executed their role with precision while Milwaukee appeared fatigued and disjointed. Rather than relying on sheer volume from the perimeter, Chicago’s starters found their rhythm early, exploiting what looked like a lack of chemistry and physical readiness in the Bucks. With Milwaukee having played frequently in the preseason and appearing visibly tired, they offered little resistance to Chicago’s offensive flow. The result was not a fluke driven by random variance, but a clear validation of the Bulls' readiness against a home team that had nowhere to hide.
Ultimately, this game serves as a stark reminder that preseason results, while often volatile, can accurately signal underlying team conditions. The forecast’s emphasis on potential bench struggles for Milwaukee turned out to be a prescient warning, as the starters seemed to carry the weight of a tired roster. The Bulls did not just win; they exposed a lack of cohesion in Milwaukee that may linger well past the exhibition season, proving that the underdog label was more a reflection of reputation than reality.
On the field
The Chicago Bulls dominated the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 125-104. After Milwaukee opened with 10 unanswered points in the first quarter, Chicago seized control, eventually building a 34-point lead. The turning point arrived in the third quarter, where the Bulls erupted for 40 points, their highest-scoring period of the game. This offensive surge effectively sealed the victory, leaving the Bucks unable to mount any significant comeback despite their early start.
Highlights
Images and videos courtesy ESPN
