Bucks–Bulls rivalry
| First meeting | October 16, 1968 Bulls 89, Bucks 84 |
|---|---|
| Latest meeting | February 25, 2019 Bucks 117, Bucks 106 (United Centre) |
| Next meeting | TBA |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 266 meetings |
| All-time series | Bulls, 139-127 |
| Regular season series | Bulls, 131-117 |
| Postseason results | Bucks, 10–8 |
| Longest win streak |
|
| Current win streak | Bucks, 6 |
| Post-season history | |
| |
The Bucks-Bulls rivalry is a National Basketball Association (NBA) rivalry between the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. The rivalry between the teams stems from them being Central Division rivals, as well as the short distance and similarities between the two cities.[1] The Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls have met 4 times in the NBA Playoffs, with their first meeting in 1974.
The rivalry began in the early 1970s and was one of the most intense in NBA history for a couple of years, when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was one of the league’s best players and the Bulls were playoff contenders. The rivalry reignited during the 1980s when the Sidney Moncrief led Bucks and the Michael Jordan led Bulls fought tough battles. However, the rivalry has been less intense since the 1990s with the Bull’s dominance during the 1990s and the departures of Moncrief and Jordan. In 2014 the two teams met in the First Round of the Eastern Conference 2015 Playoffs with the Derrick Rose led Bulls winning the series 4-2.
Origins[edit]
The rivalry between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls stems from the short distance and similarities between the two cities and being inter-divisional rivals. The cities share Lake Michigan, an unmatched love for beer[1], are only 83 miles away from each away, and the Bucks and Bulls are NBA Central Division rivals. Bucks-Bulls rivalry was born when the Milwaukee Bucks played their first NBA regular season game against the Chicago Bulls on October 16 1968, with Chicago winning the game 89-84 in front of a crowd of 8,467 at the Milwaukee Arena. In the 1968-1969 season, the Bulls recorded a regular season sweep of the Bucks 4-0.
History[edit]
1969 - 1975: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Era[edit]
In the 1969 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected centre Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out of UCLA with the first overall pick. It was after this move, and during the next 6 years that the rivalry between the Bucks and Bulls would truly escalate. Both teams emerged as two of the strongest teams in the NBA, featuring NBA greats such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson and Bobby Dandrige for Milwaukee and Norm Van Lier, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker and Bob Love for Chicago. However, Milwaukee would own the rivalry between the two teams. Milwaukee won the regular season match-ups between the two teams 23-15 between the 1969-1970 and 1974-1975 seasons. Additionally, Milwaukee would average nine more wins per regular season compared to the Bulls during this time period[1]. Furthermore, the Bucks would sweep the Bulls in their only playoff matchup in 1974. Despite this, the games between the Bucks and Bulls in this period will be remembered for their physicality with former Bucks guard Jon McGlockin remembering “Those games were always physical, hard-fought”[1]. In June 1975, the Bucks would trade Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Los Angeles Lakers, consequently ending the intensity of the rivalry between the Bucks and Bulls for this time period.
The Bulls during this period were one of the most physical teams in the league with the backcourt of Norm Van Lier and Jerry Sloan. They would constantly challenge opponents to fight, with Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Walt Frazier complaining about their antics[1]. Bulls teammate Clifford Ray remembered “Norm was the energizer bunny… Jerry never gave up on a play and he would never back down from any challenge”[1]. Opposing Van Lier was 'Mr. Triple Double' Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson who arrived in 1970 at the age of 32. Bucks forward Bob Dandridge remembered “Oscar vs Jerry was always a fun battle… Oscar said he was going to try and lay Jerry out and make him see stars”. [1]
In the front-court, the Bulls had the NBA All-Stars of Chet “The Jet” Walker and Bob “Butterbean” Love. Walker would average 20.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in his six seasons with the Bulls whilst also making four NBA All-Star teams.[2] Love would make 3 NBA-All Star teams and 3 All-NBA defensive teams with the Bulls. Bob Dandrige the Bucks forward remembered “Bob Love was such a handful to deal with… he always worked me on both ends of the floor”[1]. Dandrige himself would average 18.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in his 9 seasons with the Bucks.[3]
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would be the difference in-between the teams. Norm Van Lier stated “Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – he was the difference … That guy killed us”. [1]The 6-time NBA MVP averaged greater than 30 points a game and 16 rebounds per game against the Bulls in the early 1970s[4]. Opposing Bulls centre Tom Boerwinkle recalled “Kareem was so good, that no matter what I tried, he still got his points, grabbed a ton of rebounds and blocked a couple of shots”[1]. Abdul-Jabbar stated “I had a lot of respect for what the Bulls tried to do with me"[1]. Despite this, Bulls centre Dennis Awtrey once spun Abdul-Jabbar hitting him in the face.
The Bucks and Bulls’ only playoff match-up was in 1974 at the Western Conference Finals. The Bucks would win the series 4-0. The Bucks won each of the four games by an average of 14 points, with Abdul-Jabbar averaging 32.2 points and 15.8 rebounds for the series[5]. Former Bucks guard Jon McGlockin remembered “Kareem was Kareem. He was unstoppable”[1]. In Game 4, the Bulls’ frustration had peaked when Jerry Sloan and the Bulls’ mascot Benny the Bull were ejected. The Bucks would eventually lose to the Boston Celtics 4-3 in the NBA finals.
1979 - 1990: Sidney Moncrief and Early Michael Jordan[edit]
After Oscar Robertson retiring in 1974 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar being traded in 1975, the Bucks were on a search for their next franchise player. In the 1979 NBA Draft, the Bucks selected Guard Sidney Moncrief out of the University of Arkansas with the fifth overall pick. The future NBA All-Star would spend 11 seasons with the Bucks, leading them to 6 consecutive NBA Central Division championships over their inter-divisional rival Bulls from the 1980-1981 to the 1985-1986 seasons. During these seasons, the Bucks would win the regular season record 24-11 over the Bulls.
After the departures of Norm Van Lier, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker and Bob Love the Chicago Bulls made the playoffs twice in 1976-1977 and 1980-1981 between 1975 and 1984. However, in the 1984 NBA Draft, the Bulls selected guard Michael Jordan out of the University of North Carolina with the third overall selection. The future 2009 Hall of Fame inductee would later lead the Bulls to 6 NBA Championships and 6 NBA Central Division championships over the Bucks between 1991-1993 and 1996-1996.
During the Jordan Era, the Bucks and Bulls would meet twice in the playoffs. In the 1994-1985 playoffs, during Jordan’s rookie year, the Don Nelson coached Bucks defeated the Bulls 3-1 in the First Round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Nelson implemented zone defences and double and triple teams to nullify Jordan’s effect on the game, however during the series Jordan averaged 29.3 points and 8.5 assists.[6]
In the 1990 playoffs, the Bulls defeated the Bucks 3-1. During the four games, Jordan averaged 36.8 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and scored 48 points in the Bulls’ Game 3 loss in Milwaukee.[7] However, this series will be remembered for its intensity and violence[6]. In the series, Jordan was a target for the Bucks, with Jordan being body slammed by the Bucks’ Greg Anderson in Game 2 and was elbowed in the face by John Paxson in Game 3. Furthermore, in Game 4 Anderson was ejected for elbowing Ed Nealy and Will Perdue ‘knocked out’ Alvin Robertson[8]. Game 4 finished with a total of six technical fouls, 68 personal fouls and 96 free throws. Bulls’ coach Phil Jackson described Game 4 as “trench warfare”[6]. After this game, the NBA started hardening their rules against aggressive fouls and hard play.[6] After advancing past the Bucks, the Bulls would then lose to the Detroit Pistons 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
2008 - Onwards: Derrick Rose and Giannis Antetokounmpo[edit]
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In the 2008 NBA Draft, with the first selection the Chicago Bulls selected Derrick Rose out of the University of Memphis. The future NBA MVP would reignite the rivalry between the Bucks and Bulls that had been dormant for the past couple of years. In March 2012, Rose would score the final 2 of his 30 points on a game-winning buzzer beating jumper to lead the Bulls to a 106-104 victory over the Bucks.
In the 2013 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks would select Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick. The future 3x NBA All-Star would become the future franchise piece for the Bucks.
The Bulls and Bucks met in the 2015 Playoffs in the first round in the Eastern Conference with the Bulls winning 4-2 over the Bucks. [9] Over the six game series, the Bulls soared to a 3-0 advantage with a double overtime win in Game 3 with Derrick Rose recording 34 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists.[10] However, the Bucks recovered in Games 4 and 5. Bucks point guard Jerryd Bayless scored a buzzer beating layup in Game 4. Additionally, in Game 5 forward Khris Middleton and guard Michael Carter-Williams combined for 43 points for a road win at the United Centre[11]. However, the Bulls would end the series in Game 6 winning by 54 points with Antetokounmpo being ejected in the second quarter[12][13]. The Bulls would later lose to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals 4-2.
2022 - current Grayson Allen did the reboot?[edit]
On January 21st 2022...
Annual results[edit]
| Season | NBA season |
| Bulls/Bucks | Team associated with subsequent columns |
| W | Wins |
| L | Losses |
| % | Winning percentage |
| Playoffs | Final result in season's playoffs |
| Series | Record in season's head-to-head matchups |
| * | Bulls had more regular season wins than Bucks |
| † | Bucks had more regular season wins than Bulls |
| ‡ | Bulls won season series against the Bucks |
| § | Bucks won season series against the Bulls |
| Season | Bucks | Bulls | Series | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | W | L | % | Playoffs | Team | W | L | % | Playoffs | ||
| 1968–69 | Milwaukee Bucks | 27 | 55 | .329 | Chicago Bulls | 33* | 49 | .402 | Bulls 5–1‡ | ||
| 1969–70 | Milwaukee Bucks | 56† | 26 | .683 | Lost Eastern Division Finals | Chicago Bulls | 39 | 43 | .476 | Lost Western Division Semifinals | Bulls 4–2‡ |
| 1970–71 | Milwaukee Bucks | 66† | 16 | .805 | Won NBA Finals | Chicago Bulls | 51 | 31 | .622 | Lost Western Conference Semifinals | Bucks 5–1§ |
| 2021-22 | Milwaukee Bucks | Lost Eastern Division Finals | Chicago Bulls | Lost 1st round of the 1st round | |||||||
NBA Playoffs[edit]
1974 NBA Western Conference Finals[edit]
- Game 1: Milwaukee Bucks 101–85 Chicago Bulls
- Game 2: Milwaukee Bucks 113–111 Chicago Bulls
- Game 3: Milwaukee Bucks 113–90 Chicago Bulls
- Game 4: Milwaukee Bucks 115–99 Chicago Bulls
Milwaukee Bucks win series 4–0.
1985 NBA East First Round[edit]
- Game 1 @ The MECCA, Milwaukee (April 19): Milwaukee 109, Chicago 101
- Game 2 @ The MECCA, Milwaukee (April 21): Milwaukee 122, Chicago 115
- Game 3 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (April 24): Chicago 109, Milwaukee 107 (Michael Jordan hits his first playoff game-winner with 22 seconds left)
- Game 4 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (April 26): Milwaukee 105, Chicago 97
Milwaukee Bucks win series 3–1.
1990 NBA East First Round[edit]
- Game 1 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (April 27): Chicago 111, Milwaukee 97
- Game 2 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (April 29): Chicago 109, Milwaukee 102
- Game 3 @ Bradley Center, Milwaukee (May 1): Milwaukee 119, Chicago 112
- Game 4 @ Bradley Center, Milwaukee (May 3): Chicago 110, Milwaukee 86
Chicago Bulls win series 3–1.
Common Players[edit]
The following players have played for both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls in their careers:
- Joe Alexander - Bucks (2008-2010), Bulls (2010)
- Malik Allen - Bulls (2005-2007), Bucks (2008-2009)
- Greg Anthony - Bulls (2001-2002), Bucks (2002)
- Del Beshore - Bucks (1978), Bulls (1979-1980)
- John Block - Bucks (1971-1972) Bulls (1974-1976)
- Keith Bogans - Bucks (2009), Bulls (2010-2011)
- Bob Boozer - Bulls (1966-1969), Bucks (1970-1971)
- Dudley Bradley - Bulls (1982-1983), Bucks (1986-1987)
- Tony Brown - Bulls (1986), Bucks (1989-1990)
- Jason Caffey - Bulls (1995-1998), Bucks (2000-2003)
- Len Chapell - Bulls (1966), Bucks (1968-1970)
- Joe Courtney - Bulls (1993), Bucks (1994)
- Charles Davis - Bucks (1984-1986), Bulls (1988-1990)
- Mike Dunleavy Jr. - Bucks (2011-2013), Bulls (2013-2016)
- Chris Engler - Bulls (1985), Bucks (1985)
- Marcus Fizer - Bulls (2000-2004), Bucks (2004-2005)
- Greg Foster - Bucks (1993, 2001-2002), Bulls (1994)
- Jim Fox - Bulls (1970-71), Bucks (1975-1976)
- Rowland Garrett - Bulls (1972-1975), Bucks (1977)
- Pau Gasol - Bulls (2014-2016), Bucks (2019)
- Kendall Gill - Bulls (2003-2004), Bucks (2004-2005)
- Drew Gooden - Bulls (2008-2009), Bucks (2010-2013)
- Craig Hodges - Bucks (1984-1988), Bulls (1998-1992)
- Lindsey Hunter - Bucks (2000-2001), Bulls (2009-2010)
- Mike James Bucks (2004-2005), Bulls (2012-2014)
- Mickey Johnson - Bulls (1974-1979), Bucks (1980-1982)
- Kyle Korver - Bulls (2010-2012), Bucks (2019 - Present)
- Larry Krystkowiak - Bucks (1987-1992), Bulls (1994-1995)
- Toni Kukoč - Bulls (1993-2000), Bucks (2002-2006)
- Andrew Lang - Bucks (1996-1998), Bulls (1999)
- Scott Lloyd - Bucks (1976-1977), Bulls (1978-1979)
- Bob Love - Bucks (1968), Bulls (1968-1976)
- Scott May - Bulls (1976-1981), Bucks (1981-1982)
- Mccoy Mclemore - Bulls (1966-1968), Bucks (1971)
- Nikola Mirotić - Bulls (2014-2018), Bucks (2019)
- Ronald Murray - Bucks (2002-2003), Bulls (2010)
- Kevin Ollie - Bulls (2001-2002), Bucks (2002-2003)
- Charlie Paulk - Bucks (1968-1969), Bulls (1971)
- Jared Reiner - Bulls (2004-2005), Bucks (2007)
- Flynn Robinson - Bulls (1967-1968), Bucks (1968-1970)
- Guy Rodgers - Bulls (1966-1967), Bucks (1968-1970)
- Michael Ruffin - Bulls (1999-2001), Bucks (2007-2008)
- John Salmons - Bulls (2009-2010), Bucks (2010-2011)
- Tony Snell - Bulls (2013-2016), Bucks (2016-2019)
- Kurt Thomas - Bucks (2009-2010), Bulls (2010-2011)
- Norm Van Lier - Bulls (1971-1978), Bucks (1978-1979)
- Jake Voskuhl - Bulls (2000-2001), Bucks (2007-2008)
- Hakim Warrick - Bucks (2009-2010), Bulls (2010)
- Bob Weiss - Bucks (1968), Bulls (1968-1974)
- Walt Wesley - Bulls (1969-1970), Bucks (1974-1975)
- Scott Williams - Bulls (1990-1994), Bucks (1999-2001)
- David Wood- Bulls (1988), Bucks (1996-1997)
- Orlando Woolridge - Bulls (1981-1986), Bucks (1993)
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Battered & Bruised". Chicago Bulls History. 2017-11-09. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
- ↑ "Chet Walker Stats". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ↑ "Bob Dandridge Stats". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ↑ "Team Rivalry Finder". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ↑ "Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks Head-to-Head in the NBA Playoffs - All-Time Game Log". www.landofbasketball.com. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "A brief history of Bulls vs. Bucks playoff rivalry". Chicago Bulls. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
- ↑ "Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks Head-to-Head in the NBA Playoffs - All-Time Game Log". www.landofbasketball.com. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
- ↑ Smith, Sam. "BULLS-BUCKS FIGHT TOLL: $19,000". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ↑ "I-94 Rivalry". Milwaukee Bucks. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
- ↑ "Bulls vs. Bucks, 113-106 2OT, Box Score - 2015 Playoffs". www.landofbasketball.com. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ↑ "Bucks vs. Bulls, 94-88, Box Score - 2015 Playoffs". www.landofbasketball.com. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ↑ "Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo ejected from Game 6". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2019-05-28.
- ↑ "Bulls vs. Bucks, 120-66, Box Score - 2015 Playoffs". www.landofbasketball.com. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
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