The Bulls avoid the upset by the 7-win Magic with a 102-98 win to extend their winning streak to eight games. MVP candidate DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points and four rebounds. Franz Wagner led the Magic in points with 22 points.
Zach Lavine got 27 points, shooting 44% from the three-point line. Nikola Vucevic got a solid performance with 13 points and 17 rebounds, resulting in another double-double. Lonzo Ball, in his return, shot 12.5% from the field, which resulted in only 3 points. But backup PG Coby White off the bench led the bench with 17 points.
Former Bull Wendell Carter Jr. got 21 points and 10 rebounds. Gary Harris got involved by earning 19 points. Terrence Ross kept the Magic in the game off the bench with 15 points in 29 minutes. Orlando was without Cole Anthony and rookie Jalen Suggs tonight.
Game Recap
Chicago Sluggish Start
One of the most critical factors of the winning game is getting good starts; this was the third straight game Chicago had a sluggish start in the first quarter. The first field goal for Chicago was at the 8-minute mark with a Zach LaVine dunk. Orlando’s most significant lead was 11 points, which was at the 5:58 spot in the first quarter. The Bulls shot 23.8% in the 1st quarter. Chicago finished on a 5-0 run to cut the lead to five points, 21-15.
Bulls Get First Lead
In the first four minutes of the second quarter, Chicago outscored Orlando 12-5 to regain the lead. That was the start of the Bulls 30 point 2nd quarter. Everybody got involved in the scoring column except for rookie Ayo Dosunmu. The Bulls scored 10 points in the final three minutes to get a 45-40 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, Zach LaVine got a three-pointer to get the lead to nine points. But the Magic responded to get the game within 2 points. But Orlando never got the lead back in the game. The Bulls shot 40% in the third quarter, but LaVine led the Bulls with 11 points in the third quarter.
Another Strong Fourth Quarter By Bulls
DeMar DeRozan and Coby White combined for 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Bulls to avoid the upset against the Magic. LaVine, White, and DeRozan scored the final 12 points, including a DeRozan free-throw get the game to two possession, 102-98. This game was the first time since November 22nd; the Bulls scored below 102 points when they scored 77 points in a loss against the Indiana Pacers.
Final Thoughts
Bulls Need Rest
These last three games have been very stressful to the Bulls and Bulls fans. But DeMar DeRozan saves the day like usual. Lonzo Ball, in his return, struggled, and the team shot 43% from the field, 35.5% from the three-point line.
Orlando Loses Another Close Game
Orlando has now lost their 2nd straight game within 10 points after losing the lead in the fourth quarter against Boston. The future is bright for the Magic with Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs guards. But that bright future won’t happen lead to a possible playoff appearance for another year.
Up Next
Chicago will host Washington on Friday.
Orlando will go back home on Wednesday to host Philadelphia.
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