Less than 24 hours into double overtime in Utah, the Chicago Bulls took the court against the Denver Nuggets (10-2) and emphatically ended their five-game losing streak.
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The Bulls ran out white coby (twin), who was out despite making his season debut against the Jazz. This was a planned break, but even more important after he went over his minutes limit. Tre Jones (ankle) was also out for the second straight game.
But despite being shorthanded, the Bulls were able to overcome a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists from Nikola Jokic.
Josh Giddey He was sensational in his own right, scoring 21 on 8-of-12 shooting with 14 rebounds and six assists. His aggressiveness when entering the paint, where his floater landed, was essential for the Bulls to generate offense.
As a group, the Bulls made 19 3-pointers and turned the ball over just nine times, helping them push forward despite losing the battle for offensive rebounds and free throw attempts.
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But it was the bench that won them this game. Ayo Dosunmu was +23 in a three-point victory and hit two clutch free throws to help seal the victory. Jevon Carter (15 points) was on fire. Jalen Smith (16 points) was fantastic before injuring his shoulder in the third quarter. The Bulls bench outscored Denver’s bench 66-9.
Next: The Bulls conclude this road trip Wednesday night in Portland against the Trail Blazers (6-7), who have lost consecutive games.
Tune in to the CHGO Bulls live post-game show:
After a pedestrian start to the game, Billy Donovan resorted to a line change with Carter, Dosunmu, Smith, Patrick Williams/Julian Phillips and Dalen Terry. Entering the game at 4:05 of the first quarter, the Bulls trailed 22-18. The starters were just 3 of 8 on 3-pointers, the bench unit came in and was 8 of 12 from downtown. They built an 18-point lead with pace, defense and shooting.
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By the time the starters returned to the game at 6:48 of the second, the Bulls had a 50-35 lead and nearly 9.5 minutes left, huge considering three starters played more than 40 minutes in Sunday’s marathon.
Over the past few games, fans in the CHGO YouTube comments have expressed frustration with Donovan for allowing Nikola Vucevic to close out games despite his poor play. Interestingly, Donovan went with Jalen Smith, who scored 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, to close out the first half over Vucevic, who was 0-for-6.
The pattern repeated itself in the third quarter with the bench coming in and extending the lead, only to see the starters crumble in the fourth.
—Will Gottlieb
I hope Smith’s shoulder is okay. Because the last few games, he’s been HOPING. Not only has he continued his efficient scoring, but he has been excellent on the defensive boards. And he did much better than Vucevic in trying to stop Jokic. He used his body well, not moving an inch as Joker went to work from the stand. Unfortunately, that physicality is what led to the tangle with Joker that caused his shoulder injury. Let’s hope it’s nothing major, because the Bulls can’t afford to lose this version of Smith.
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Carter is hilarious and sometimes amazing. I respect. The heat control three he took in transition in the third quarter, which failed, located the rebound, got another three… effective. That is the definition of “green light.”
The Bulls Bench Mob has been great almost every night through their first 13 games this season. If only their starting unit could hold their own against the best teams in the league, like Denver. Then they would really have something hahaha. In theory, being healthy (White, Jones, Zach Collins) should help some. But a deep, productive bench can only do so much for you if your counterparts work every night with your starters.
Speaking of the bench, another GREAT night from Dosunmu. The guy is just a stud. Play hard (and smart) every night.
Jamal Murray took over to start the fourth quarter. Then Joker signed up. And if. The stars win in this league.
-Matt Peck
Another fun game. I can get used to this. Peace to the DNVR team.
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Smith has been ridiculously hot lately. He has earned his time on the court. He has helped the team on both sides of the court and with the three-point shot… *chef’s kiss*
Vucevic has been bad. That’s all. He’s been fighting. It could be tired legs, but he’s been out constantly lately.
Buzelis was aggressive again. I really want him to take more mid-range shots, but I like three-point shots and drives to the basket. And the blocks? YEAH.
Mr. Stay Ready, also known as Jevon Carter, was important for the team, especially in the second quarter. Providing them with 3 timely points is especially helpful in the transition. Great to see.
Kevin Huerter hasn’t been very good from deep. He hit a couple in the third, but has generally struggled this season. I hope to see him get that part of his game back.
– Big Dave