Bucks Stunned After Blowing 27-0 Run to Bulls

Milwaukee's late-game collapse leaves players and coach 'perplexed'

Mar. 2, 2026 at 1:23pm

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The Milwaukee Bucks were in control for most of their game against the Chicago Bulls, leading by 15 at halftime and holding an 89-87 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Bulls then went on a stunning 27-0 run to blow the game open, outscoring the Bucks 33-8 in the final frame and winning 120-97. Bucks coach Doc Rivers and players like Bobby Portis and Cam Thomas expressed shock and frustration at the team's inability to stop the Bulls' onslaught.

Why it matters

The loss is a concerning one for the Bucks, who are trying to secure a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament to give superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo a chance at the postseason. Allowing a struggling Bulls team to go on such a dominant run raises questions about the Bucks' consistency and ability to close out games, especially with a tough matchup against the Boston Celtics coming up next.

The details

The Bucks led by 15 at halftime and were still up 89-87 heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Bulls then went on a 27-0 run to blow the game open, outscoring Milwaukee 33-8 in the final frame. The Bucks shot just 2-21 in the fourth quarter as their offense completely stalled. Bucks coach Doc Rivers criticized his team's poor execution and approach, saying they 'didn't deserve to win' with that kind of performance.

  • The Bucks led by 15 at halftime.
  • The Bucks were up 89-87 heading into the fourth quarter.
  • The Bulls went on a 27-0 run in the fourth quarter.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' superstar, who is set to return from a calf strain for their next game against the Celtics.

Doc Rivers

The Bucks' head coach, who criticized his team's poor execution and approach in the loss.

Bobby Portis

The Bucks forward, who expressed frustration with the team's performance and said he just wants to 'move on' from the game.

Cam Thomas

The Bucks guard, who said he was 'stunned' and 'perplexed' by the team's collapse.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if there is such a thing as the basketball gods, but if there is, he was alive tonight. When you approach the game and play like that, you don't deserve to win. If we would have won the game I would have been upset. I would have taken the win because we need it. But that's not how you play basketball.”

— Doc Rivers, Bucks Head Coach

“I didn't even know the run was like that. When I came out in the fourth quarter, and the guy courtisde was telling me like 'look at the run that we're on, 25-0, you guys haven't even scored this quarter … I didn't even know we didn't put the ball in the hole. I don't want to credit them. I don't know what it was. I just want to move on for real.”

— Bobby Portis, Bucks Forward

“I really don't have much to say because it's still like, stunned in a way. Stunned. Like dang, what happened. I really don't have much to say, I'm sorry about that. I'm still perplexed.”

— Cam Thomas, Bucks Guard

What’s next

The Bucks will look to bounce back on Monday night when they take on the Boston Celtics, with the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to provide a boost.

The takeaway

This collapse highlights the Bucks' inconsistency and struggles to close out games, raising concerns about their ability to secure a Play-In Tournament spot and make a deep postseason run. However, the impending return of Giannis Antetokounmpo provides hope that the team can get back on track and avoid another stunning defeat like this one against the Bulls.