The Milwaukee Bucks began their NBA Cup title defense against the red-hot Chicago Bulls on Friday night. Entering the contest with a 6-1 record, the Bulls have been one of the best storylines of the NBA season so far. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and Ryan Rollins combined to give Milwaukee a big-time win. Here are three big takeaways from Milwaukee’s best performance of the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball for the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA Cup game against the Chicago Bulls / Image Credit: @bucks on Twitter
#1: Myles Turner Finally Brings His Offense to the Party in Milwaukee
So far, free agent signing Myles Turner has been still finding his footing in Milwaukee. He entered the game averaging single-digit points per game, something that most Bucks fans were likely not expecting. While Turner has been a decent fit in the frontcourt and ensuring the team does not miss Brook Lopez too badly, he has not yet had a big offensive night.
Myles with a season-high 23 points and five triples tonight.
23 PTS | 8 REB | 4 STL | 5 3PM | 57% FG pic.twitter.com/nl215GZYsz
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 8, 2025
That was, until Friday. Turner exploded with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. Draining 5 three-pointers, Turner went 8-13 from the field in what was by far his best game for Milwaukee. His +/- of +19 led the team on the night. This is what general manager Jon Horst envisioned when he made the decision to sacrifice Damian Lillard to add Turner to the mix.
Turner was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s partner-in-crime in the frontcourt on the evening, The Greek Freak had his usual dominant display – he makes 41 points barely feel noteworthy while coming just one assist short of a triple-double. Although his 41-15-9 came on 50% shooting, well below his average, it was still another MVP-like night from Antetokounmpo.
Nov 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after making a basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The frontcourt is shaping out nicely. With Antetokounmpo set to continue his reign as the league’s most terrifying force, Turner represents a real threat opposite him.
Perfect pass from GA to MT for his fourth triple! pic.twitter.com/HbEx0EAY6H
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 8, 2025
#2: Ryan Rollins Is Back in Form
Ryan Rollins has been one of the big surprises of the season so far for Milwaukee. The former two-way point guard is now a bona-fide starter on a strong NBA team and has had an excellent run this year.
Although Rollins and Cole Anthony have been a great backcourt tandem for Doc Rivers, Rollins has had a dip in production in the last week. Entering November, following a 32-point explosion against Golden State, both his three-point percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio have significantly dipped. However, against Chicago, Rollins played a big role in combatting Chicago’s stylish backcourt.
Oct 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) looks for a shot against Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard (3) in the 3rd quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
With 20 points, 6 boards, 4 dimes, and 3 steals, Rollins helped to combat Bulls point guard Josh Giddey’s 16 points and 14 assists. Rollins also went 4-6 from three. It was a return to the high-level play that Bucks fans are now accustomed to seeing out of #13.
#3: Bobby Portis Continues to See Less Playing Time
Fan-favorite forward Bobby Portis has been a key part of the Milwaukee Bucks for years now, but his minutes have continued to decrease this season. In what was a significant NBA Cup game against a division rival, Portis played just 20 minutes off the bench. He added 7 points and 5 rebounds with a +/- of -1. Portis has averaged less than 20 minutes per game this season.
Jan 23, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
While Portis has always been a contributor on defense, his offensive output this season has been underwhelming. Rivers has rolled with not only Turner as a preferred big, but also smaller lineups with Kyle Kuzma, Taurean Prince, or even Amir Coffey at times.
Kuzma had himself a nice game, treating the home fans to an efficient 11 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. In 28 minutes, he was a +14 for the team. While often clowned by media and fans alike, Kuzma has had himself several solid games to start 2025.
Oct 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) warms up before game against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow us at@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!