LaVine Scores 25 as Bulls Beat Hornets
LaVine Scores 25 as Bulls Beat Hornets. (Charlotte, NC) – The Charlotte Hornets hosted the Bulls tonight in their first matchup of the season. Both teams entered tonight’s game with a record of 6-8. Chicago looking to extend their winning streak to three, and the Hornets hoping to avoid a four game skid.
Devonte’ Graham got off to a hot start for the Hornets with 11 first quarter points, and continued the stellar play in the second. With under three minutes to play in the half, Graham and Bulls guard Zach LaVine began trading baskets. LaVine made a nice play driving to the rim for an easy left hand layup. Graham followed with a tough step back jumper on the baseline at the other end. LaVine then answered with a 27 foot three pointer, giving him Chicago’s last seven points. He led the Bulls at the half with 15 and Lauri Markkanen scored 13 points. Devonte’ Graham led all scores with 22 points and Gordon Hayward chipped in with 10 points.
Bulls Led 61-53 at the half
Despite Gordon Hayward’s big third quarter with 17 points, Chicago continued to add to their lead in the second half.
Ball movement was a problem for Hornets
Up fourteen to start the fourth quarter the Hornets would cut the lead to six, but couldn’t stop Chicago’s offense. The Bulls moved the ball well all night, with all five players touching the basketball on many possessions. They finished with a total of 33 assists.
Bulls clutch down the stretch
Late in the shot clock Coby White found LaVine for a three pointer to put Chicago up 11 with under three minutes to play in the game. Graham got his first points of the half on the following possession with a nice drive to the basket. The Bulls would answer scoring on the next few possessions extending the lead to as many as 15 with under 90 seconds left in regulation. Chicago went on to win 123-110.
Zach LaVine finished with 25 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Lauri Markkanen had 23 points, and Coby White added 18 points and 8 assists.
Gordon Hayward led Charlotte with 34 points and Devonte Graham had 24 points for the Hornets.
Next Up:
Charlotte falls to 6-9 on the season and will travel to Orlando Sunday to play the Magic (7-9).
Chicago now 7-8 will host the Los Angeles Lakers (12-4) tomorrow night, and will look to avenge their two point loss from January 8th.
LaVine Scores 25 as Bulls Beat Hornets
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