Bulls get back on track, beat the Pistons
Bulls get back on track, beat the Pistons (Detroit, MI) – After losing winnable games against the Spurs and Nuggets, the Bulls hoped to bounce back on Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons.
The Bulls are 3-15 against teams above .500 this season, but 15-7 against teams who have more losses than wins. The Pistons fall into that second category, but Chicago cannot take them lightly. Jerami Grant scored a career high 43 points for Detroit in their last matchup against the Bulls, so containing him will be important.
Bulls lead after low-scoring 1st half
Grant got off to a quick start tonight, making his first five shots to score 12 points. His efforts led to Detroit having a 17-13 advantage with 5.5 minutes left in 1st. Outside of Grant, neither team shot well from the field in the quarter, as both were under 40%. The Pistons led 25-20 going into the 2nd.
Pistons rookie Isaiah Stewart was the second player of the game to reach double-digits with 11 points, midway through the 2nd. His layup gave Detroit a 37-31 lead with 6.5 minutes left in quarter. The Bulls closed out the half on a 15-8 run, to lead 46-45.
Daniel Gafford played a great first half for Chicago, with 8 points and 7 rebounds in only seven minutes of play. Lauri Markannen also scored in double digits for the Bulls, with 12 points and 6 rebounds. The bench played a huge role as well, scoring 21 of the 46 points.
LaVine finds his rhythm in the 3rd
Chicago earned their largest lead of the game at the beginning of the 3rd. They outscored Detroit 12-6, to go up 58-51 with 9 minutes remaining in the period. After being quiet in the 1st half, Zach Lavine got it going in the 3rd with 10 of his 15 points. He hit his 2nd three-pointer of the game to give the Bulls a 70-58 advantage, with 4 minutes left. Chicago led 75-65 going into the 4th quarter.
Bulls close out the Pistons
The Bulls started off the 4th with an 15-6 run, which gave them an 90-71 lead with 7 minutes left. Detroit responded with six straight points in one minute to make it 90-77, which led to a Bulls timeout. That timeout was exactly what the Bulls needed to maintain their composure. After that huddle, Chicago took a 100-80 lead with 2.5 minutes left. The Bulls won the game, 100-86.
LaVine led the Bulls with 18 points and 3 rebounds, with Markannen adding 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Grant was the Pistons primary option, as he had 26 points. Mason Plumlee added 12 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists.
Up Next
Detroit (12-30) will play their next game against the Pacers (19-22) at 6pm CT.
Chicago (19-22) will play tomorrow against the Jazz (30-11) at 8pm CT.
Bulls get back on track, beat the Pistons
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