March 1, 2026, United Center: Chicago won 120-97 in the Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Match Player Stats game. This was the fourth and final 2025-26 regular-season meeting. Milwaukee entered 26-32 and 11th in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago entered 24-36 and 12th, carrying an 11-game losing streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo was unavailable with a right calf strain. Chicago also had six players ruled out before tipoff. The Bulls erased a 16-point deficit and turned the game around with a 27-0 run.

Match Overview

Chicago entered March without a February victory, having gone 0-11 during the month. Milwaukee arrived three games better in the standings and had won seven of its previous ten. The Bulls reversed a 15-point halftime deficit through a 69-31 second half. Chicago improved to 25-36, while Milwaukee dropped to 26-33.

Pre-Match Context

Chicago entered with 11 consecutive losses and had not won since January 31 at Miami. The Bulls were also 0-10 across their previous ten games. Milwaukee had gone 7-3 during that same ten-game span. The Bucks entered 11th in the Eastern Conference, one place above Chicago. Milwaukee had already won the season’s first three head-to-head meetings.

Both teams also entered with significant availability concerns. Milwaukee played without Antetokounmpo, who missed his 15th consecutive game. Chicago’s final injury list included Zach Collins, Noa Essengue, Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Jalen Smith, and Patrick Williams. Those absences changed both teams’ available rotations before tipoff.

Quarter by Quarter Score

Milwaukee controlled the first half and carried a 66-51 advantage into halftime. Chicago then won both second-half quarters by double digits. The Bulls allowed only eight points during the fourth quarter.

Final: Chicago Bulls 120, Milwaukee Bucks 97.

Quarter by Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Matas Buzelis opened the scoring with a three-pointer before Myles Turner answered with consecutive threes. The teams remained close throughout the period. Josh Giddey’s three-pointer tied the score at 27 with 2:02 remaining. Bobby Portis then made a three before Buzelis answered. Milwaukee finished the quarter ahead 32-30.

Second Quarter

Chicago briefly moved ahead 35-32 after Leonard Miller completed a three-point play. Milwaukee then took control with a 17-0 run. The Bucks eventually opened a 16-point advantage. Kyle Kuzma and AJ Green added late baskets before halftime. Milwaukee carried a 66-51 lead into the break.

Third Quarter

Chicago cut into the deficit through perimeter shooting and transition scoring. Giddey, Collin Sexton, and Guerschon Yabusele each made threes during the comeback. Milwaukee still led 89-81 late in the period. Tre Jones then made two free throws to begin Chicago’s decisive run. Sexton and Jones followed with baskets. Milwaukee’s advantage fell to 89-87 entering the fourth.

Fourth Quarter

Buzelis tied the game at 89 before Sexton gave Chicago a 91-89 lead. Nick Richards, Sexton, Giddey, and Buzelis continued Chicago’s unanswered scoring. Giddey’s three-pointer produced a 108-89 advantage with 6:01 remaining. That completed a 27-0 Chicago run. Kevin Porter Jr. finally ended Milwaukee’s scoring drought with free throws. Ousmane Dieng later ended Milwaukee’s run of 17 consecutive missed shots. Chicago won the quarter 33-8.

Team Stats Comparison

Chicago’s advantage came primarily through shooting efficiency, ball movement, paint production, and second-half defense. Milwaukee attempted more field goals but converted them at a much lower rate. Chicago also finished with advantages in assists, steals, blocks, and paint scoring.

Key Numbers That Decided the Game

The final numbers show how sharply the matchup changed after Milwaukee controlled the first half. Chicago combined better shooting with a major defensive turnaround after halftime.

• Chicago outscored Milwaukee 69-31 across the third and fourth quarters.
• Chicago shot 51.2 percent, while Milwaukee finished at 36.8 percent.
• The Bulls recorded 34 assists, eight more than Milwaukee.
• Chicago finished with 14 steals and eight blocked shots.
• Milwaukee missed 17 consecutive shots during Chicago’s decisive second-half run.

Full Box Score: Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee received its highest scoring total from reserve Bobby Portis. Cam Thomas also reached double figures from the bench. Four starters scored at least ten points, but the starting group struggled with shooting efficiency. Kevin Porter Jr. finished 4-for-16, while Myles Turner went 3-for-10.

Milwaukee Scoring and Playmaking

Milwaukee Shooting and Plus-Minus

Milwaukee Defense and Ball Security

Full Box Score: Chicago Bulls

Chicago had six players score at least 11 points. Sexton led the team from the bench, while Giddey produced the game’s only triple-double. Leonard Miller made six of eight field-goal attempts and finished with the game’s highest plus-minus. Chicago’s starters and reserves combined for 34 assists.

Chicago Scoring and Playmaking

Chicago Shooting and Plus-Minus

Chicago Defense and Ball Security

Game Leaders and Top Performers

Josh Giddey finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was his eighth triple-double of the season. His 15th Bulls triple-double tied Scottie Pippen for second in franchise history. He also made five three-pointers.

Collin Sexton scored a game-high 22 points from the Chicago bench. He shot 9-for-14 from the floor. Sexton’s pull-up jumper gave Chicago its first fourth-quarter lead. He finished with a plus-28 rating.

Matas Buzelis contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. His floater tied the game early in the fourth. He later scored again during the unanswered Chicago run.

Leonard Miller scored 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting in 27 minutes. He added five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. His plus-38 rating led every player in the box score.

Bobby Portis led Milwaukee with 18 points off the bench. He made seven of 14 field goals and three three-pointers. Portis also collected five rebounds and committed no turnovers.

Starting Lineups

The actual starters came directly from the completed box score. The position rows below use standard guard, forward, and center lineup groupings. Chicago started Giddey and Jones together, while Sexton entered from the bench.

Injury Report

The final pregame injury report contained several important absences. Antetokounmpo remained out for Milwaukee because of his calf injury. Chicago’s final list contained six players unavailable through injury. Earlier previews had listed several Bulls as day-to-day, but they were ultimately ruled out.

Milwaukee played a 15th consecutive game without Giannis. Chicago also had limited frontcourt and perimeter depth because of its unavailable group. Neither team had a questionable player remaining on the final report used here.

Season Series and Head to Head

Milwaukee won the season’s first three meetings before Chicago prevented a four-game sweep in the finale. A verified all-time series count was unavailable from the approved sources. Therefore, this table covers every 2025-26 meeting.

Milwaukee therefore finished the 2025-26 regular-season series with a 3-1 advantage.

Conference and League Standings

Milwaukee entered the game 11th in the Eastern Conference, with Chicago directly behind in 12th. The victory reduced Chicago’s gap in the standings and ended its February slide.

After the final buzzer, Milwaukee moved to 26-33, and Chicago improved to 25-36.

Broadcast and Stream Information

The game tipped at 3:30 p.m. ET in Chicago. ESPN listed local television coverage for both markets and an NBA League Pass option.

Conclusion

Chicago ended its long losing run by reversing the direction of the game after halftime. Better shooting and sustained ball movement supported the comeback. Milwaukee’s extended scoring drought allowed Chicago to turn a late third-quarter deficit into control of the game. 

The result prevented a Bucks season sweep and moved Chicago closer in the Eastern standings. Milwaukee returned home to face Boston next. Chicago remained home for its next matchup against Oklahoma City.

For more match updates, read: Houston Astros vs Dodgers Match Player Stats

FAQ

Who won the Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks game on March 1, 2026?

The Chicago Bulls won 120-97 at United Center, ending an 11-game losing streak and improving their season record to 25-36.

Who scored the most points in Bulls vs Bucks?

Collin Sexton led all scorers with 22 points for Chicago, while Bobby Portis led Milwaukee with 18 points from the bench.

Did Josh Giddey record a triple-double against Milwaukee?

Yes. Giddey finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, recording his eighth triple-double of the 2025-26 season.

Why did Giannis Antetokounmpo not play against Chicago?

Antetokounmpo missed the game because of a right calf strain. It was his 15th consecutive absence for the Milwaukee Bucks.

What was the biggest turning point in Bulls vs Bucks?

Chicago produced a 27-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters after trailing 89-81 late in the third period.

What was the Bulls’ biggest statistical advantage?

Chicago shot 51.2 percent from the field and generated 34 assists. Milwaukee shot 36.8 percent and finished with 26 assists.

Who won the 2025-26 Bulls vs Bucks season series?

Milwaukee won the season series 3-1. The Bucks won the first three meetings before Chicago captured the March 1 finale.