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CHICAGO — In the days leading up to the team’s first road playoff games in Chicago, the Milwaukee Bucks used every opportunity they could to shower Grayson Allen with boos.

They booed Allen when he walked onto the team bus. They booed him when he arrived in the lobby of their team hotel. They even booed him during film sessions and when Allen touched the ball in practice.

So when Allen set back-to-back playoff career highs in Games 3 and 4 this weekend to help Milwaukee take a commanding 3-1 series lead over Chicago, the Bucks bench enjoyed booing him all the way.

“They have so much fun doing it,” Allen said with a laugh after scoring 27 points off the bench in the Bucks’ 119-95 victory Sunday afternoon. “I think it’s honestly hilarious. They’ve kind of turned it into a fun thing. It makes hearing it out there during the game a lot easier too because they think it’s so funny.”

Game 5 will be Wednesday night in Milwaukee.

The Bucks began jeering their own teammate earlier this season once they heard the reaction Allen received every time he touched the ball during the team’s first game in Chicago back in March. Allen became public enemy No.1 to Chicago basketball fans after his flagrant foul on Bulls guard Alex Caruso during a game on Jan. 21 resulted in a fractured wrist for Caruso, forcing him to miss two months.

Allen said Sunday that he had attempted to reach out to Caruso to apologize after the incident, but the two never connected. The Bulls downplayed any lingering animosity toward Allen leading up to the series, but fans at the United Center have not let it go as easily, responding with loud boos each time Allen approached the scorer’s table or touched the ball on offense each game this season.

Even if he has gained a reputation as a villain in Chicago, Allen insisted after the game Sunday that he does not feed off such a negative reaction.

“It’s not naturally comfortable for me,” Allen said. “I am to the point now, anytime I go out and play basketball, I just remind myself to go out and have fun with this. … My personality is naturally uncomfortable with the attention, the booing, the heckling. It’s not something I feed off of. I’m not going out searching for it.”

That hasn’t stopped Allen’s teammates from having fun with it.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo suggested Allen frame a photo from Game 3 in which the Bucks bench is in the background booing Allen as he heads to the free throw line following a converted and-1.

“He’s played amazing, maybe we got to boo him even more,” Antetokounmpo said with a smile after the game. “Maybe Milwaukee fans, we got to boo him … nah, we’re not going to do that.”

Added guard Jrue Holiday: “When we booed him during the game, and he really started hooping, I think we just stuck with it.”

After leading all scorers in Game 3 on Friday with 22 points, Allen was even better on Sunday afternoon.

Allen went 10-of-12 from the field on Sunday, including 6-of-7 from 3-point range, to outscore Chicago’s bench all by himself 27-17. He became the first Bucks player to score 25 points and knock down six 3s in a playoff game in team history and first Bucks player with at least 25 points off the bench since Tim Thomas in 2003, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information. Allen even made plays on defense, collecting three steals and holding Chicago to 3-of-8 shooting when he was the primary defender.

Allen rebounded after going 0-for-4 from 3 to start the series in the first two games. His performance this weekend helped the Bucks withstand the loss of forward Khris Middleton, who will miss the rest of this first-round series with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

“He’s kind of quiet, but confident,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said about Allen. “I think this is a confident group, a group that sees a player that can help them and appreciates his competitiveness. He’s just quiet, no bulls—, and comes to play. I think our guys gravitate towards that type of mentality. It’s certainly been a good fit.”

By the time Allen checked into the game in between free throw attempts with 5:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, the boos from the crowd at the United Center had gone from full-throated to halfhearted.

Chicago had waited five years for a home playoff game here, and the fans’ reward was a weekend of uncompetitive basketball. The Bulls were outscored by a combined score of 230-176 in the two games on their home floor and must win on Wednesday in Milwaukee to extend their season.

“You got to give [Allen] credit,” Bulls guard Zach LaVine said. “He’s hitting shots. … Obviously, we know what happened [with the Caruso injury]. At the end of the day, it’s basketball too. We understand it. But it’s not like we’re going out there saying, ‘That guy can’t beat us.’ The Milwaukee Bucks can’t beat us and he’s part of their team. Them as a whole is beating us right now.

“You can’t just account for him. It’s everybody.”

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CHICAGO — In the days leading up to the team’s first road playoff games in Chicago, the Milwaukee Bucks used every opportunity they could to shower Grayson Allen with boos.

They booed Allen when he walked onto the team bus. They booed him when he arrived in the lobby of their team hotel. They even booed him during film sessions and when Allen touched the ball in practice.

So when Allen set back-to-back playoff career highs in Games 3 and 4 this weekend to help Milwaukee take a commanding 3-1 series lead over Chicago, the Bucks bench enjoyed booing him all the way.

“They have so much fun doing it,” Allen said with a laugh after scoring 27 points off the bench in the Bucks’ 119-95 victory Sunday afternoon. “I think it’s honestly hilarious. They’ve kind of turned it into a fun thing. It makes hearing it out there during the game a lot easier too because they think it’s so funny.”

Game 5 will be Wednesday night in Milwaukee.

The Bucks began jeering their own teammate earlier this season once they heard the reaction Allen received every time he touched the ball during the team’s first game in Chicago back in March. Allen became public enemy No.1 to Chicago basketball fans after his flagrant foul on Bulls guard Alex Caruso during a game on Jan. 21 resulted in a fractured wrist for Caruso, forcing him to miss two months.

Allen said Sunday that he had attempted to reach out to Caruso to apologize after the incident, but the two never connected. The Bulls downplayed any lingering animosity toward Allen leading up to the series, but fans at the United Center have not let it go as easily, responding with loud boos each time Allen approached the scorer’s table or touched the ball on offense each game this season.

Even if he has gained a reputation as a villain in Chicago, Allen insisted after the game Sunday that he does not feed off such a negative reaction.

“It’s not naturally comfortable for me,” Allen said. “I am to the point now, anytime I go out and play basketball, I just remind myself to go out and have fun with this. … My personality is naturally uncomfortable with the attention, the booing, the heckling. It’s not something I feed off of. I’m not going out searching for it.”

That hasn’t stopped Allen’s teammates from having fun with it.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo suggested Allen frame a photo from Game 3 in which the Bucks bench is in the background booing Allen as he heads to the free throw line following a converted and-1.

“He’s played amazing, maybe we got to boo him even more,” Antetokounmpo said with a smile after the game. “Maybe Milwaukee fans, we got to boo him … nah, we’re not going to do that.”

Added guard Jrue Holiday: “When we booed him during the game, and he really started hooping, I think we just stuck with it.”

After leading all scorers in Game 3 on Friday with 22 points, Allen was even better on Sunday afternoon.

Allen went 10-of-12 from the field on Sunday, including 6-of-7 from 3-point range, to outscore Chicago’s bench all by himself 27-17. He became the first Bucks player to score 25 points and knock down six 3s in a playoff game in team history and first Bucks player with at least 25 points off the bench since Tim Thomas in 2003, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information. Allen even made plays on defense, collecting three steals and holding Chicago to 3-of-8 shooting when he was the primary defender.

Allen rebounded after going 0-for-4 from 3 to start the series in the first two games. His performance this weekend helped the Bucks withstand the loss of forward Khris Middleton, who will miss the rest of this first-round series with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

“He’s kind of quiet, but confident,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said about Allen. “I think this is a confident group, a group that sees a player that can help them and appreciates his competitiveness. He’s just quiet, no bulls—, and comes to play. I think our guys gravitate towards that type of mentality. It’s certainly been a good fit.”

By the time Allen checked into the game in between free throw attempts with 5:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, the boos from the crowd at the United Center had gone from full-throated to halfhearted.

Chicago had waited five years for a home playoff game here, and the fans’ reward was a weekend of uncompetitive basketball. The Bulls were outscored by a combined score of 230-176 in the two games on their home floor and must win on Wednesday in Milwaukee to extend their season.

“You got to give [Allen] credit,” Bulls guard Zach LaVine said. “He’s hitting shots. … Obviously, we know what happened [with the Caruso injury]. At the end of the day, it’s basketball too. We understand it. But it’s not like we’re going out there saying, ‘That guy can’t beat us.’ The Milwaukee Bucks can’t beat us and he’s part of their team. Them as a whole is beating us right now.

“You can’t just account for him. It’s everybody.”

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Kansas senior guard Ochai Agbaji, named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four after leading the Jayhawks to their fourth men’s basketball national championship, has declared for the 2022 NBA draft, he announced via social media on Sunday.

“‘How did it feel?’ I’ve probably been asked that question a thousand times since we won the national championship,” Agbaji wrote in his post. “And while I’m not sure I’ve found the right words to accurately describe the elation and surreal nature of that moment, I do know this much: I’ll never get tired of talking about it.

“From start to finish, this entire season felt like it had been scripted. A season I’ll remember forever. One I’ll never take for granted. … No matter where basketball takes me — I’ll always be a Jayhawk.”

Agbaji, the Big 12 Player of the Year, is projected to go No. 16 in the latest mock draft by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz.

The 6-foot-5 Agbaji averaged a team-leading 18.8 points per game this season for the Jayhawks, who pulled off a historic comeback against North Carolina in the national title game.

Agbaji was also a finalist for the Wooden Award.

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Another game against the Milwaukee Bucks, another loss for the Chicago Bulls, who rarely get a win against their division rival.

Now on the edge of elimination in Round 1 after dropping Game 4 by a score of 119-95, the Bulls have one last shot to show some fight before going home much earlier than they would have anticipated a couple months ago.

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CHICAGO — Bulls guard Alex Caruso exited in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday afternoon against the Milwaukee Bucks after getting hit in the face by an inadvertent elbow from Bucks guard Jevon Carter.

Caruso was fighting through a screen set by Giannis Antetokounmpo when Carter’s elbow hit him on the nose with 1:44 remaining in the second quarter. Caruso fell to the floor and was bleeding from his nose before coming out of the game.

Ayo Dosunmu started the second half in place of Caruso before the Bulls eventually announced that Caruso would not return with a facial injury. Caruso was being examined for a possible concussion during the second half, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Caruso did not score but contributed four assists, four rebounds, a steal and two blocks in 17 minutes during the first half of Game 4.

Earlier this season, Caruso fractured his left wrist after a flagrant foul from Grayson Allen during a Jan. 21 game against the Bucks that would sideline for the next two months.

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Crackling charcoal, smoked meats, and tangy, spicy sauces come together to create one of our favorite food groups: barbecue. With barbecue month right around the corner, I know someone in your circle is ready to be the “grill master.” But hey, let’s raise the bars first with the best barbecue in Chicago’s western suburbs before anyone can claim they know what they’re doing. Satiate your cravings for delicious pork, beef, and chicken. You’ll thank us later.

1711 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Pulled pork, beef brisket, burnt ends, even their macaroni, and cheese…At Blackwood BBQ, you won’t find one thing on their menu that isn’t slow-cooked to perfection. With always-fresh ingredients, Blackwood guarantees you food that will melt in your mouth with bursting flavor.

Know someone who prefers a meatless option? Blackwood BBQ also serves smoked jackfruit. Any choice of BBQ that you decide on can be served on a bun, taco-style, on a salad, or piled high on a platter complete with apple coleslaw and housemade pickles. 

Image Credit: UberEats

5440 New Wilke Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

There’s something delectable about a rotisserie chicken. When that craving hits, you just can’t go wrong with a slow-roasted chicken with juicy meat falling fresh off the bones from Hickory Roasters. This quaint joint also serves other barbecue favorites like the hickory-smoked ribs, and classic sides such as homemade coleslaw, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese.

Forget the stress of hosting a BBQ party in your backyard and take a trip to Hickory Roasters to indulge in the smoky goodness!

Image Credit: Trip Advisor

828 S Hicks Rd, Palatine, IL 60067

Charbroiled burgers, tangy pulled pork sandwiches, and crisp rib tips are just a few of the highlights at BBQ Patio. This unassuming, lone-standing building in Palatine is home to the best barbecue in Chicago’s Western suburbs. Their huge menu will keep you satisfied, whether you’re craving smoky, spicy, or sweet.

This is also a great spot for a quick lunch stop thanks to their value meal menu, which includes a cheeseburger and a chicken sandwich and comes with fries, plus a drink to make your lunchtime complete. 

Image Credit: USA Restaurants

758 W Euclid Ave, Palatine, IL 60067

We can’t talk about the best barbecue in Chicagoland without mentioning Brothers Ribs. Featured on Chicago’s Best for the best BBQ (and more specifically, pulled pork sandwiches) in town, they truly live up to that distinction. With an array of tender meats smoked for hours on end, dishes slathered in sauce, and even some choices for the kids, Brothers Ribs will keep you coming back for more. Looking to serve up some BBQ at a big party this summer? Brothers Ribs has got you covered with a full catering menu! 

Image Credit: UberEats

800 E Higgins Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

You know it and you definitely love it. Three words: Sweet Baby Rays. Well… if you didn’t know, this favorite barbecue sauce also has restaurant locations across the suburbs. No more DIYing rubs or trimming the meat. And forget about all that pre-cook, let-sit, and messy cutting boards. Instead, let Sweet Baby Rays take care of everything.

Order their award-winning ribs by the slab and have a feast in the comfort of your own home without getting any dish dirty (or risk cutting off your fingers)! But don’t say we didn’t warn you: be sure to keep plenty of napkins on hand because you’ll definitely need them.

635 W North Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126 

A newer joint, Firwater certainly does not lack barbecue goodness. With a full menu of brisket, ribs, bacon, rib tips, and more, you are sure to find something that satisfies your cravings. Want some tantalizing barbecue for an event? Firewater BBQ & Brew also offers full-menu pig roasts, completed with smoked meats over apple and hickory wood, country buns, and homemade sides. Their catering team will also handle set-up and takedown services. Really. All you need to do is invite your friends and bring an empty stomach!

Featured Image Credit: Sweet Baby Rays

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Duke freshman A.J. Griffin is heading to the NBA, becoming the fifth Blue Devils player in the past week to declare early for the draft.

The school announced Griffin’s decision Sunday, the last day for players to declare themselves eligible for the NBA draft. Duke said the 6-foot-6, 222-pound wing regarded as a potential lottery draft pick plans to hire an agent.

“It was a dream come true,” Griffin said in statement. “My experiences have helped prepare me for this moment and I am proud to know I will be a Blue Devil for life.”

Griffin’s NBA move follows that of 7-1 sophomore Mark Williams, 6-10 star freshman Paolo Banchero, 6-5 wing Wendell Moore Jr. and 6-5 guard Trevor Keels. Part of one of the nation’s top recruiting classes out of Ossining, New York, Griffin is ranked as ESPN’s No. 8 draft prospect.

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He averaged 10.4 points while providing size, outside shooting and defensive potential to the wing for the Blue Devils. That production came despite him missing most of his last two high school seasons because of knee and ankle injuries, as well as a preseason knee injury that slowed his process of getting back in rhythm after extended absences.

His role grew as he became more comfortable in returning to full-time action. He moved into the top lineup by mid-January and never left, starting Duke’s last 25 games. He had 22 points on 8-for-11 shooting in his first start at Wake Forest, the first of five 20-point outputs as a starter — the highlight being a 27-point star-making turn in a win at rival North Carolina in early February.

Griffin made 71 of 159 3-pointers (44.7%), including 10 games as a starter with at least three 3s.

Griffin helped Duke reach now-retired Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski’s record 13th Final Four while winning the program’s first outright Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title since 2006.

“A.J. was one of the best shooters in the nation and his skillset is exactly what NBA teams are looking for,” Krzyzewski said in a statement.

While Duke is losing a lot of top-tier talent as Jon Scheyer takes over for Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils will have guard Jeremy Roach — who announced his return earlier in the week and had a strong postseason run — as the team’s top returning scorer (8.6 points, 27 starts).

Duke also has 247sports’ No. 1-ranked recruiting class, featuring top overall prospect Dereck Lively II, fellow big man Kyle Filipowski (No. 3) and small forward Dariq Whitehead (No. 5).

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