MILWAUKEE _ In each of their previous meetings this season, the Bulls have entered halftime within striking distance of the Bucks _ even leading by a point during their first matchup _ only to watch the game slip away quickly in the second half.
That familiar story unfolded again Monday in Milwaukee. The Bulls entered the break trailing by a point before the league's best team turned it on and pulled away in the second half for a 111-98 victory.
The Bulls threw a few defenders at reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, including Thaddeus Young and Chandler Hutchison, but they had little answer. Antetokounmpo picked up a triple-double with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, and Khris Middleton added 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting as the Bucks swept the season series for the second year in a row.
The Bulls are 1-18 against teams with winning records.
Zach LaVine scored 24 points, his 11th consecutive game with at least 20, but he received little help. Lauri Markkanen was held scoreless in the second half and finished with eight points on 2-of-11 shooting and eight rebounds.
