The Bucks wanted to finish the first half of the season strong. Instead, they will limp into the break following a shorthanded, 110-91 Thursday night road loss to the Central Division-leading Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls dominated in just about every aspect of the game. They shot 54.4 percent from the field, won the rebounding battle, 49-29, and hit six of 13 three-pointers. Joakim Noah led the way with his first career triple-double, scoring 13 points with 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Bulls have now beaten Milwaukee seven consecutive times, including all three meetings this season with one game remaining in the season series coming in March at the Bradley Center.
"You need an outstanding effort against them in all aspects," Milwaukee head coach Scott Skiles said. "You can't make mistakes."
Jon Leuer provided a small bright spot, making the start at center in place of an injured Drew Gooden. The rookie from Wisconsin scored 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting with four rebounds a steal and a block in 26 minutes.
In two games against Chicago at the United Center this season, Leuer has 33 points in just under 40 minutes.
Chicago improved to 27-8, the best mark in the Eastern Conference (a half-game ahead of Miami) while the loss leaves Milwaukee 13-20 at the season's midway point, trailing Boston for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot by two games in the loss column.
"Hopefully the guys can regroup a little bit mentally and we can come out of the break and play better," Skiles said.
The Bucks now have nearly a week off to rest before taking the court again Tuesday, when they open the second half at home against Washington.
Follow Andrew Wagner on Twitter.
