Daily Bulls

After being down as much as 19 points, the Chicago Bulls survive a nail-bitter 109-105 against the Toronto Raptors. Zach Lavine proved why he deserved his max contract leading the Bulls with team-high 39 points, 30 coming from the second half. Former Raptor DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points and seven rebounds. Nikola Vucevic got another double-double, 14 points, and 13 rebounds. The only other player to score in double-digits for Chicago was Patrick Williams, scoring 10 points, making two threes.

Vanvleet, Siakam got things going early

If you saw the final score, you would have expected the game to be close all game, but it wasn’t. Toronto used their home crowd to their advantage early with their hot three-point shooting, making 5 out of 8 during the first quarter. Fred VanVleet went 3-for-3 during the first quarter. Scottie Barnes and O.G. Anunoby also each had a three during the first quarter.

Pascal Siakam stole the show during the second quarter, scoring 12 points and helping Toronto control the game. Even though Chicago shot better than Toronto during the first half (47.7%- 46.7%), the Bulls found themselves down by 11, 58-47, because of three-point shooting. Chicago made

Siakam finished the game with 32 points, 20 during the first half, and nine rebounds. VanVleet finished the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.

Lavine leads Bulls comeback

Within the first three minutes of the second half, Toronto’s lead grew to 19 points, 66-47. After that timeout, Chicago slowly trimmed the lead by their star guard, Zach Lavine. Lavine began attacking the rim and getting easy buckets or free-throw attempts. He attempted 13 free throws and missed only one. Lavine would score 17 points during the third and 13 in the fourth quarter.

In the final three minutes of the third quarter, Chicago managed to cut the 19-point lead down to nine, 81-72. Toronto got the lead back up to 12 points, but Chicago’s defense and Zach Lavine started a run. Chicago would go on a 16-4 run to tie the game up at 91. During the run, Chicago forced difficult shots and three turnovers that helped the Bulls get some transition points, including a running pullup Zach Lavine three to cut the lead to five, 87-82. With a Patrick Beverley three-pointer, 96-93, Chicago got their first lead since the second quarter, 29-28.

Final Minute Drama

During the final minute of a win-or-go-home Play-In Tournament game, DeMar DeRozan got to the free throw line but missed one of two. Siakam responded with a dunk and fouled quickly after but fouled Zach Lavine. After Lavine hit both to make the game 107-104, Siakam got fouled, which was believed to be a non-shooting foul, got overturned by the refs, not replay review, so Siakam had the chance to tie the game with three free throws. He made the first but missed the next two attempts. Vucevic hit two clutch free throws to win the game, 109-105.

Final Thoughts

Move on Fast Chicago

Chicago fans will remember this game, but it won’t matter if the Bulls lose on Friday against Miami. Chicago was 2-0 in Miami this season, but Jimmy Butler and the Heat will be ready after losing in their home building against the Atlanta Hawks Tuesday night. Chicago must shoot better from three because 26.9% will not get the job done against the Miami Heat. Great win up North for the Bulls.

Free Throw Misses Hurt Toronto

Toronto went to the free throw line 36 times but made only 22. One possible reason for this was because of DeMar DeRozan’s daughter screaming during every free throw attempt when the Raptors crowd was quiet. All jokes aside, the Raptors could have easily won if they made 30 out of 36. Toronto will finish the season with a 41-42 record, including the Play-In game.

Chicago will face Miami on Friday at 6:00 CT.

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