The Chicago Bulls entered Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday with a golden alternative in hand.
After plunging out of place to make the play-in match earlier than the All-Star break, the Bulls (eleventh within the Eastern Conference) confronted an opportunity to achieve floor with a win over the ninth-place Raptors.
But recent off the momentum of back-to-back victories, the Bulls couldn’t grind out one other ugly win, failing to attain greater than 100 factors for the fifth time in 9 video games in a 104-98 loss.
The lows
- Mistakes plagued the Bulls all through the loss as they coughed up 4 turnovers within the opening 5 minutes. The Bulls escaped actual harm within the first half because the Raptors did not capitalize on these alternatives, scoring solely six factors off 10 turnovers. But the Bulls gave up 10 factors off six turnovers within the third quarter alone, permitting the Raptors to enter the fourth with solely a two-point deficit. The Raptors completed with 21 factors off 20 Bulls turnovers.
- The Bulls relied on luck within the first half because the Raptors shot 35.4% from the sphere and went 5-for-21 behind the 3-point arc. But that luck started to expire within the second half because the Raptors heated up behind the arc, going 10-for-21 within the second half to gas a swing in momentum. The Bulls have been as soon as once more unable to match their opponent from lengthy vary, ending with 10 3-pointers in 25 makes an attempt.
- DeMar DeRozan sometimes carries a chip on his shoulder into any matchup with the Raptors, however he couldn’t discover footing towards his former crew Tuesday. O.G. Anunoby smothered DeRozan on the level of assault, subbing out and in for defensive shifts that clearly focused the Bulls star. DeRozan completed with solely 13 factors on 5-for-11 capturing.
The highs
- Nikola Vučević was the one Bull who may rating reliably, ending with 23 factors on 9-for-14 capturing. He made 4 of the Bulls’ 10 3-pointers in an try to offset low-scoring nights from Zach LaVine (17 factors) and DeRozan.
Injury report
Javonte Green remained in Chicago as he continues to recuperate from left knee surgical procedure in January. Before the sport, coach Billy Donovan stated Green is “ramping back up” and wishes to achieve extra consolation with lateral actions earlier than he will be cleared for contact.
Where they stand
The Bulls dropped to 28-34 to stay eleventh within the East, 1½ video games behind the Tenth-place Washington Wizards (29-32) for the ultimate play-in spot and 2½ behind the Raptors (31-32).
What comes subsequent
The Bulls face the Pistons on Wednesday in Detroit earlier than returning dwelling to play the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com