The Milwaukee Bucks, fueled by 41 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo, launched their NBA Cup title defense with a 126-110 victory over Eastern Conference leaders Chicago Bulls on Friday.

Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo added 15 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a pair of blocked shots, scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter as the Bucks pulled away.

The Greek star's latest big performance -- he came into the contest averaging 32.3 points per game -- helped Milwaukee halt a two-game skid.

Matas Buzelis led the Bulls' scoring with 20 points and Aussie guard Josh Giddey -- coming off back-to-back triple-doubles -- had 16 points, seven rebounds and 14 assists.

But the Bulls surrendered top spot in the East to the Detroit Pistons, who topped the Brooklyn Nets 125-107 fo

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