Paul George scores 32 points in a win — Paul George

Cristiano Felicio posted a double-double of 12 points and 12 boards, Doug McDermott and Taj Gibson combined for 20 points, while Michael Carter-Williams played a bigger role in the third game since his return to the floor with 12 points and eight rebounds.

“I thought Michael has given us really good energy since he’s been back”, Hoiberg said of Carter-Williams, who was sidelined for almost two months after suffering a left knee bone bruise and left wrist sprain on October 31 at Brooklyn. If Hoiberg does elect to switch things up Saturday, Michael Carter-Williams would seemingly benefit the most and be the favorite to be placed in the starting lineup.

The last time these two teams played, the Bucks demolished the Bulls on both nights of a back to back. “We’ve got to continue to play like we did tonight”.

Hoiberg was complimentary of the way Rondo handled the benching.

Rondo has already been suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team after getting into a heated argument with assistant coach Jim Boylen, and it wouldn’t shock anyone if it happens again.

His poor first half, which including more fouls than assists (two) or made shots (zero) combined, earned him a spot on the bench to start the second half. He was leading the cheers over there on the bench.

“I don’t think I was aggressive enough”, Rondo admitted.

“It’s not life and death”, said Rondo. “It’s not going to determine that I’m not going to work hard. I’m going to stay in the gym every day, lead these guys when I can, talk to my teammates, and be professional”.

Asked if he was given an explanation from Hoiberg, Rondo replied, “Negative”. “It’s what it is”.

“We’re all in this together so we have to make sure [Rondo’s] mind is still with us, ” Butler said afterwards.

In Monday’s loss, George attempted just one foul shot while fellow All-Star Jimmy Butler had 12 attempts. It was nice for us to get off to a fast start to force them to do that. “If we just win games, everything’s good”. Rondo has never been praised for his scoring abilities, however, he is averaging an unimpressive 7.2 points per game, which is his worst average since his rookie season in 2006.

“We have to run back, that would help”, Hoiberg said. Now we’re asking Malcolm to start with Delly out, and that puts Jet (Jason Terry) with the second group a little more. “Just the decision that we made”. They see it, they know what’s going on. This is the second game where he’s getting a lot of grabbing, a lot of holding. “Life is too short to be unhappy”, Rondo said. It’s part of it. Like probably 24 other coaches, I’m trying to find a way for us to go out and play consistent basketball on a nightly basis.

In what’s becoming a depressing trend of late, the Bucks followed up an impressive win with a clunker, as Minnesota decimated their defense while Milwaukee struggled to score all night long in a 116-99 defeat.