Bulls obliterate Bucks in record-breaking fashion, set up 2nd round matchup with Cavs
The Milwaukee Bucks' rally from 3-0 down came to an embarrassing end on Thursday, as the Chicago Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a record-breaking 120-66 Game 6 demolition.
The 54-point margin of victory is the largest ever in a close-out game, and the fourth largest win overall in NBA playoff history.
The Bulls' victory sets up a highly anticipated second round matchup with LeBron James and the (Love-less) Cleveland Cavaliers that many predicted would serve as an Eastern Conference final.
Noah: "I never thought I'd say this but I'm excited to go to Cleveland."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 1, 2015
Turning Point
In a game that was never in doubt, the tip-off itself may as well have been the turning point.
The Bulls jumped on the Bucks early and often, racing out to an 8-0 lead in the game's first 68 seconds, never allowing Milwaukee within five points.
Chicago, who won each quarter by at least seven points, led by 18 after one quarter and 32 at the half. For large chunks of the one-sided affair, the difference between the two teams was greater than the Bucks' total output.
Star Performer
Joakim Noah recorded a double-double and the trio of Derrick Rose (15 points, seven assists, five rebounds), Pau Gasol (19 points and eight rebounds) and Jimmy Butler (16 points, five assists, four steals) did their part, but it was veteran sharpshooter Mike Dunleavy who rose above the rest in 28 sparkling minutes.
Dunleavy scored a game-high 20 points on 5-of-7 shooting (4-of-6 3-point shooting) to go with five assists, four rebounds and a steal, thriving as an unlikely instigator.
Speaking of ...
Highlight Reel
Giannis Antetokounmpo momentarily loses his mind and runs right through Dunleavy to get himself tossed from the evening's festivities:
Miles Plumlee saves a modicum of dignity for the Bucks:
Series at a Glance
Game 1: Bulls 103, Bucks 91 (Bulls lead 1-0)
Game 2: Bulls 91, Bucks 82 (Bulls lead 2-0)
Game 3: Bulls 113, Bucks 106 (OT) (Bulls lead 3-0)
Game 4: Bucks 92, Bulls 90 (Bulls lead 3-1)
Game 5: Bucks 94, Bulls 88 (Bulls lead 3-2)
Game 6: Bulls 120, Bucks 66 (Bulls win series 4-2)