Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was able to impose his will against Billy Donovan's Chicago Bulls for their sixth game of the season. The two-time NBA MVP took advantage of his matchup with rookie Patrick Williams and scored a total of 12 points in 3:34 minutes while also drawing two fouls from the 19-year-old, per NBC Sports Chicago‘s Rob Schaefer.
The tracking data is in!
According to https://t.co/qIw6Hycmry, Williams at least partially guarded Giannis for 17.2 possessions last night. 3:34 minutes.
Giannis in those possessions: 12 points (5-9 FG, 1-4 3P), 4 ast, 0 turnovers. Williams also committed 2 shooting fouls on GA https://t.co/A2ggi2n3Zm
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) January 2, 2021
It didn't matter which player the Bulls threw at Antetokounmpo's way as he finished the slate with a game-high tally of 29 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists for the Bucks. Six of his teammates also scored in double digits led by newcomer Bryn Forbes who led with 18 points while shooting on a 4-of-6 clip from beyond the arc.
The Bucks managed to keep a comfortable lead against their counterparts from start to finish en route to securing a 126-96 lopsided victory. The Milwaukee-based squad now improve to a 3-3 record while the Bulls dropped to a 2-4 record.
After the game, the rookie also spoke on his matchup with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“My chest is on fire right now just from the shoulders that he gave me,” he jokingly said via NBC Sports.
Williams was recently selected by the Bulls with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Due to his length and athleticism, Williams was seen to have the potential to develop as a defensive stopper in the league for the years to come.
Despite the loss, Williams' early experience of matching up against a four-time All-Star like Antetokounmpo will certainly aid in his development as he further progresses in his rookie campaign this season.
On the other hand, the Bucks will continue to ride their momentum as they host the visiting Detroit Pistons for the first game of a back-to-back matchup on Jan. 4.