The Chicago Bulls received their second straight and third in 4 video games, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 129-121 on Saturday evening on the United Center.
The Bulls overcame a 17-point deficit — and a 40-point efficiency from Blazers star Damian Lillard — to maneuver into ninth place within the Eastern Conference, their highest standing in months.
The highs
- Zach LaVine scored 21 factors within the first half whereas Lillard had 28, but additionally picked up 4 fouls. Coach Billy Donovan elected to maintain LaVine in his common rotations regardless of the fouls, and the guard caught to his self-discipline within the second half, ending with out selecting up one other foul and scoring a team-high 36 factors. LaVine’s 3-point taking pictures suffered in January when he performed by a finger harm in his proper hand, however he went 5-for-10 from behind the arc Saturday.
- The third quarter has been shaky for the Bulls not too long ago, however they outscored the Trail Blazers 33-17. Guard Ayo Dosunmu drained a trio of 3-pointers, and the Bulls went 5-for-9 from behind the arc within the body. The Bulls went on a 24-4 run to retake the lead with two minutes remaining within the quarter, ending with a 92-87 margin. They held Lillard to solely three factors within the third after he scored 28 within the first half.
- After being a wholesome scratch for 5 of the earlier 10 video games, Andre Drummond entered within the first quarter for the second time in a row. He offered an effectively bruising presence across the rim, logging seven factors and 5 rebounds in 13 minutes.
The lows
- Lillard scorched the Bulls within the first half, scoring 28 factors on 8-for-11 taking pictures. The Bulls have been in a position to restrict him to solely three factors within the third, however he ripped off one other 12 within the fourth for a 40-point efficiency.
- The Bulls protection visibly struggled with out Alex Caruso, who was sidelined with a left foot harm. This confirmed within the second quarter when the Trail Blazers outscored the Bulls 43-25, main by as many as 17 factors. Donovan swapped in Dalen Terry as a defensive possibility, however the rookie was yanked after quick stints and completed with 4 minutes.
- The Bulls took solely two free-throw makes an attempt within the first half in contrast with the Blazers’ 14. But they leveled that quantity within the second half — taking 23 whereas the Blazers took solely eight — to finally outscore them from the foul line.
Stat of the sport
The Bulls continued their pattern of taking considerably fewer 3-pointers than their opponent however made up for that margin in effectivity. The Bulls completed 12-for-26 (46.2%) from behind the arc whereas the Blazers went 14-for-43 (32.6%). The distinction allowed the Bulls to take care of tempo with the Blazers of their second-half surge.
Quote of the sport
Although they’re nonetheless two video games again from breaking even at .500, the Bulls have proven a capability to stage out with extra consistency in current weeks.
”We’ve talked about it sufficient,” LaVine mentioned. “We know how to play that way. We’ve done it. We’ve showed it before. So now we’ve just got to do it consistently, come in next game with the same mentality and keep it up. It’s not going to be perfect. You’re going to lose a game in the NBA season. We don’t need to overreact to that, but we’ve got to stay with what we’re doing and that same mindset.”
Injury report
Alex Caruso missed the sport with soreness in his left foot after an ungainly touchdown in Thursday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Where they stand
The Bulls inched nearer to .500 with the win, enhancing to 24-27.
Up subsequent
The Bulls play host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday earlier than heading on a three-game journey to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com