Daily Bulls

After losing to the Knicks, Chicago responded with a 93-83 win over the Toronto Raptors to become 2-1. The game’s largest lead for Chicago was 30 points, 87-57 in the fourth quarter. But the Raptors managed to cut the lead down to 10 points with four pointless three-pointers in the game’s final two minutes. All starters for Chicago didn’t play over 23 minutes. Carlik Jones led the Bulls with team-high 17 points and five assists, shooting 7-7 from the field.

Another Slow Start but Respond

Dalano Banton led the Raptors with 12 early points to get a 17-7 lead with 5:33 left in the first quarter. Coming out of a timeout, Chicago became a new team and went on a 17-2 run to finish the first quarter. You can tell something changed during that timeout for the Bulls. After their second game together, it seemed like they finally found their mojo. Toronto never got the lead back after the first quarter. Terry and Hill combined 12 points in the first quarter.

Both teams went back-and-forth to start the 2nd quarter. After a Banton layup to make the score 34-30, the Bulls went on an 18-7 run to get a 15-point lead at halftime. Terry, Lewis, and Jones scored all 18 points in the final 5 minutes of the first half. The most significant adjustment made by the Bulls was the ball movement and transition offense. Chicago had 14 assists on 19 shots to end the first half and finished the game with 20 assists.

Dominant 3rd Quarter for Chicago

Coming out of halftime, the Bulls stayed hot, going 66.7% from the field, with 4 out of the five misses being from three-pointers. Chicago’s defense allowed only 18 points in the third quarter and continued to get a more significant lead. Jones had six early points in the third quarter to get the lead to 20 points. No Bulls starters played in the fourth quarter.

Final Thoughts

Bulls get back on track

Chicago now stands at 2-1 and is in the top 11 in the standings. Overall, this was by far the best game Chicago has played out of the three. More ball movement, motivation, and passing up good shots for great shots. After this game, Carlik Jones will likely get offered a two-way contract by the Bulls after the Summer League. Jones has averaged 12 points and 5.3 assists in 3 games this Summer League. Dalen Terry had another solid performance and will look to earn more minutes in the Bulls rotation this upcoming season.

Raptors couldn’t find their touch

Toronto will become 1-1 and try to get revenge against the Jazz tomorrow. Only three players scored in double-digits, D.J. Wilson (10), Jeff Dowtin (16), and Dalano Banton (18). Their bench fought in the fourth quarter, getting 28 points to cut the lead down to 10. Ryan Hawkins had 9 points in the fourth quarter. Armoni Brooks didn’t perform well off the bench getting 8 points, shooting 2-6 from the field.

Up Next

Chicago will take on the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, 5:00 CT, ESPN2

Toronto will face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, 6:00 CT, ESPN2

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