5 observations: Bucks trounce Bulls again, take 3-1 lead originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago Bulls entered Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the defending champs Milwaukee Bucks on a high note.
After their Game 1 loss to the Bucks in Milwaukee, the Bulls took Game 2. They tied the series, forward DeMar DeRozan set a playoff career high of 41 points, and brought Game 3 to the United Center for their first playoff game at home in five years.
Since then, things have gone downhill.
Here's a look game at the first four playoff games, where things stand now and what could happen next.
Game 1 in Milwaukee: Bucks Win
The Chicago Bulls fell 93-86 to the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series.
The Bulls trailed by three points inside the final minute. A tip-in by Nikola Vučević rimmed out, and a game-tying 3-point try by Zach LaVine skewed wayward.
Excruciating.
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The Bucks lead the series 1-0.
Game 2 in Milwaukee: Bulls Win
A Bulls 114-110 victory in Game 2 tied their playoff series. Forward DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 41 points, the Bucks committed 10 turnovers in the first half (seven of which came off Bulls steals), and Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton left the game early with a sprained knee.
The win moved Game 3 to the United Center -- the Bulls' first home playoff game at in five years.
The series is tied, 1-1.
Game 3 in Chicago: Bucks Win
Chicago falls to Milwaukee 111 to 81
The Bucks stormed into the United Center and handed the Bulls their most lopsided home playoff loss in franchise history. Fresh off a playoff career-high 41 points, DeRozan scored only 11 in Game 3, and early in the fourth quarter, plenty of fans had left the stadium.
The Bucks lead the series 2-1.
Game 4 in Chicago: Bucks Win
The Bulls lose...again...to the Bucks. This time, 119-95.
Guard Alex Caruso left this game in the second quarter with a face injury and, according to the team, is being evaluated for a possible concussion, and the Bulls' 3-pointer attempts continued to fall short.
The Bucks now lead the series 3-1, setting up a do-or-die Game 5 in Milwaukee Wednesday.
What's Next: Game 5 in Milwaukee
The Chicago Bulls, on the brink of elimination, play Game 5 in Milwaukee on Wednesday evening, but a time or broadcast schedule for the game hasn't been set yet.
What Happens if the Bulls win Game 5?
If the Bulls win Game 5, they'll bring the series to 3-2 and push a Game 6, which will be held Friday. And, they'll have home court advantage.
What Happens if the Bulls Lose Game 5?
If the Bulls lose Game 6, it's over. They're eliminated from the playoffs, and the Milwaukee Bucks go on to play the winner of the Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets series. Boston currently leads that series, 3-0, with Game 4 Monday night at 6 p.m.
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NBC Sports Chicago's Rob Schaefer contributed to this report.
