The Chicago Bulls defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 132-125 on Friday, October 23, 2026, overcoming a game-high 34 points from Tyler Herro as Norman Powell led Chicago with 25. The Bulls recovered from a 15-point first-quarter deficit at Fiserv Forum and outscored Milwaukee 30-21 in the fourth quarter to secure the road win.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Bucks Establish a 15-Point Lead
Milwaukee opened with a 32-17 first quarter, putting Chicago in an early deficit. The Bucks’ strong start supplied a substantial cushion, but the Bulls reversed the scoring pattern before halftime.
Second Quarter: Chicago Responds with 44 Points
The Bulls outscored the Bucks 44-30 in the second quarter, trimming a 15-point deficit to one. Milwaukee still led 62-61 at halftime, but Chicago’s most productive quarter had brought the visitors back into contention.
Third Quarter: Both Offenses Keep Producing
Milwaukee edged Chicago 42-41 in an 83-point third quarter. The Bucks entered the fourth ahead 104-102, leaving little separation despite having led comfortably after the opening period.
Fourth Quarter: Bulls Deliver the Decisive Finish
Chicago outscored Milwaukee 30-21 over the final 12 minutes, turning its two-point deficit into a seven-point victory. After allowing 42 points in the third quarter, the Bulls limited the Bucks to half that total in the fourth.
Key Performers
- Norman Powell, Bulls: Led Chicago with 25 points in the comeback victory.
- Jalen Smith, Bulls: Recorded 14 points, 13 rebounds and three steals, contributing a double-double and leading both teams in rebounds.
- Josh Giddey, Bulls: Registered a game-high nine assists as Chicago finished with 29.
- Tyler Herro, Bucks: Led all scorers with 34 points despite Milwaukee’s loss.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr., Bucks: Collected a team-high 11 rebounds.
- Ryan Rollins, Bucks: Paced Milwaukee with six assists.
NerdSports Stat: Both teams made exactly 46 field goals, but Chicago’s 14-point advantage at the free-throw line offset Milwaukee’s seven-point advantage from seven additional made 3-pointers—producing the exact seven-point final margin.
Game Analysis: Free Throws Make the Difference
The clearest statistical separation came at the foul line. Chicago made 28 of 30 free throws, shooting 93.3%, while Milwaukee finished 14 of 26 at 53.8%. The Bucks missed 12 free throws compared with just two for the Bulls.
That gap allowed Chicago to overcome Milwaukee’s superior shooting from the field and beyond the arc. The Bucks shot 50.0% overall and made 19 of 46 3-pointers, good for 41.3%. The Bulls shot 46.9% from the field and connected on 12 of 45 from deep, or 26.7%.
Chicago balanced that outside-shooting disadvantage with 34 two-point baskets, compared with Milwaukee’s 27. Both teams finished with 44 rebounds and 29 assists, underscoring how much the free-throw difference mattered in an otherwise closely matched box score.
The quarter-by-quarter turnaround was equally important. Chicago scored 115 points across the final three periods after managing only 17 in the first. Its fourth-quarter scoring advantage ultimately settled a game that remained within two points entering the final period.
Closing Context: Chicago Moves to 1-1
The Bulls improved to 1-1 in the Eastern Conference regular season, while the Bucks fell to 0-2. Chicago next hosts the Boston Celtics on Monday, October 26, at 4:30 p.m. PDT. Milwaukee hosts the Indiana Pacers that same day at 5 p.m. PDT, seeking its first win after letting an early advantage slip away.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 132-125 on October 23, 2026.
Tyler Herro scored 34 points. His individual shooting percentage was not provided in the supplied game statistics.
After the win, the Chicago Bulls sit 1-1 in the Eastern Conference.
Tyler Herro was the standout scoring performer with a game-high 34 points. For the winning Bulls, Jalen Smith delivered an all-around contribution with 14 points, 13 rebounds and three steals.
