Bulls Beat Blazers in 20 Point Comeback
Bulls Beat Blazers in 20 Point Comeback (Portland, OR) – The Bulls (3-4) looked to start their four game road trip on a positive note with a win tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers (3-3). In their last game against the Mavs, Chicago received a 39 point game from Zach Lavine. They will need another good outing from him facing one of the best backcourts in the league.
Portland guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum can both score from anywhere on the court. They have a combined average of 54 points per game. Coby White and Lavine matching that production will be key for the Bulls, especially with Lauri Markannen missing. This will be his fourth consecutive game missed due to safety protocols.
Shooting Gives Blazers Early lead
The Blazers started off the game with four straight threes, which allowed them to jump out to a 12-5 early lead over the Bulls. Chicago weathered the storm as they trailed 25-21 with three minutes left. Portland responded with a 14-0 run to end the 1st quarter leading 39-21. Lavine did not score in the 1st quarter. This was the first time in 44 games that he had not done so.
Defense Ignites Bulls Comeback
The Bulls were down 47-27 early in the second quarter. After Thaddeus Young took two straight charges, Chicago went on a 13-0 run to make it 47-40 with 4.5 minutes left in the 2nd.
Portland led 54-45 going into half, with the Bulls defense only allowing them to score 15 points in the second quarter. Their defense on Lillard and McCollum in the 2nd was key. They only scored 5 points after combining for 19 points in the 1st. Coby White and Otto Porter led the Bulls in the first half with 10 points each. Lavine also had a career high in first half assists, with 8.
Bulls, Blazers Trade Baskets in the 3rd
McCollum started off the 2nd half strong for the Blazers scoring 7 of their first 11 points. The Bulls stayed close as Portland led 65-58 with 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. The Blazers did separate themselves with an 82-70 lead after a second quarter that was filled with defense. Both teams got their offense going as Portland scored 31 points and the Bulls scored 36 points. The Blazers led 85-81 going into the final quarter of the game.
Bulls Triumph in Wild Finish
The Bulls earned their first lead of the game with 6.5 minutes left in the 4th quarter at 96-94, behind a three from Garrett Temple, who had 14 points in the game. Carmelo Anthony hit a three pointer to give the Blazers a 100-98 lead with 5 minutes left in the game. Then, the Bulls went on an 8-0 run to lead 106-100 with 2 minutes left.
Damian Lillard responded with five straight free throws, to bring Portland within one point at 106-105 with only 30 seconds left.
Lavine responded with a three pointer to give the Bulls a 109-105 lead with 10 seconds left. Lillard still had no intentions of quitting, as he hit another three to bring the Blazers within one point again, with 5 seconds left. Afterwards, White hit two free throws to ice the game for the Bulls, who beat Portland by the final score of 111-108.
This was a balanced effort for the Bulls, as seven players scored in double figures. White led the effort with his second double-double of his career, by contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Lillard scored 24 points and 9 assists to lead the Blazers, with McCollum adding 26 points.
Up Next
The Blazers (3-4) will play the Minnesota Timberwolve s(2-4) in their next game on Thursday at 9pm CT.
Chicago (4-4) will continue their road trip tomorrow in Sacramento, as they play the Kings (3-4) at 9pm CT.
Bulls Beat Blazers in 20 Point Comeback
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