The Milwaukee Bucks sealed a 94-88 win over the Chicago Bulls in Game 5 on Monday night to ensure that the series goes back to Milwaukee at 3-2.
Michael Carter-Williams led the charge for the visitors with 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists as they led for most of the game and had an answer for every Chicago run.
Pau Gasol racked up another double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough for the Bulls who continue to make hard work of this series despite leading 3-0.
Jimmy Butler added 20 points while Joakim Noah had 10 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough for the hosts to wrap up the series with the Cleveland Cavaliers watching on.
While Carter-Williams will steal the headlines, Khris Middleton had another impressive game with 21 points, while John Henson silenced a reserved United Center crowd late in the fourth quarter with this putback jam that kept the Bucks in front.
It was a first loss since mid-March for the Bulls at home, and they will now be under real pressure on Thursday night back in Milwaukee to finally seal a series win otherwise a deciding Game 7 will ensure that this one goes down to the wire.
As for the Bucks, they have no pressure and expectation on their shoulders as they continue to play to save their season, and coach Jason Kidd will be delighted with their effort and commitment as his young team continues to gain invaluable playoff experience.
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