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NBA Playoffs: Chicago Bulls Defeat Bucks in Defensive Battle Behind Butler’s 31

By Matthew Price|

Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball between Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and guard Jimmy Butler (right) during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls squared off against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night in the United Center for Game 2 during the first round of the NBA playoffs, and it was a defensive battle throughout. A combination of chippy and physical play on defense allowed the Bucks to hold the lead through most of the first half, but Jimmy Butler led the Bulls to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Butler scored 31 points, and the Bulls won 91-82.

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The first quarter was a defensive battle for both sides. The Bucks came out with a lot of energy and hustle, and they held the Bulls to just 5-for-21 shooting. Milwaukee forced seven turnovers and pressured the Bulls into some terrible shots. However, they failed to capitalize on their fantastic defensive effort, and they finished the quarter with just a five-point lead, 16-11. Chicago played solid defense, but it was really just Milwaukee missing open jumpers that kept the game so close.

Chicago came out strong to start the second, and they cut the lead down to two points with 8:43 to go in the half. Aaron Brooks attempted to take a charge during a fastbreak by Milwaukee, and it led to a large scuffle by both sides. John Henson stood over Brooks (who was on the floor), Joakim Noah shoved him back, and the rest was history. Technical fouls were given to four players, and so the end result had nobody shooting freethrows.

The Bulls finished the half with a 39-38 lead after Mike Dunleavy shot three for five from beyond the arc. Both teams were held to under 40 percent shooting from the field. Derrick Rose, who played superb in Game 1, shot an abysmal zero for seven from the field at halftime, but he managed to pile up five rebounds and six assists. The Bucks did a great job of forcing Rose to settle for jumpers, and he simply wasn’t able to convert them.

The start of the second half consisted of a balanced attack by both sides. Khris Middleton led the Bucks, while the Bulls had a variety of different players scoring. Whether it was Rose draining a 3-pointer, Butler making an “and-one”, or Pau Gasol hitting a running floater, Chicago did a good job of facilitating the ball as well as out-rebounding the Bucks. At the end of the third, the Bulls were up 71-68 behind Rose’s 12 points.

The Bucks quickly gained a three-point lead to start the fourth, but Jimmy G. Buckets and Chicago quickly answered with a 13-0 run to take control of the game! From there things became even more physical, and with three minutes left in the game ZaZa Pachulia was ejected after a fight with Nikola Mirotic. The Bulls held onto their lead, and finished the game with their second straight win over Milwaukee.

Stat Leaders: Jimmy Butler – 31 points, nine rebounds, Joakim Noah – six points, five assists, 19 rebounds, Derrick Rose – 15 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, Khris Middleton – 22 points, six rebounds

Turning Point: A couple of threes and a slam dunk by Butler helped give Chicago a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter. The Bulls never gave the lead back after the run.

Final Score: Bulls, 91-82, Bucks – Chicago leads 2-0 in series

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