We had to wait for the “money time” to see a tense match between Chicago and Washington settle. In difficulty lately, the two teams have long been on an equal footing, alternating good sequences, clumsiness and changes of leaders without ever conceding or achieving big gaps.
The good start of the locals (33-22) was thus caught up without difficulty by the Wizards who knew how to alternate threats with Corey Kispert, Deni Avdija or even Monte Morris to support the Kuzma-Porzingis duo until the break (52- 49).
During a duel that was still balanced, Washington even took the lead 12 minutes from the end (80-81) in order to in turn race in the lead until the start of “money time”, when the intensity is suddenly up a notch (90-93).
Zach LaVine opened fire with three 3-pointers but found the Morris-Avdija-Kuzma trio in his way. Nikola Vucevic had his moment in turn, with a 3-pointer from the corner, a rolled arm and a counter on Monte Morris to start to tip the match in favor of the Bulls (106-105). As a perfect finisher, DeMar DeRozan finished the job with two baskets including a 2+1 then two throws (113-109).
The Bulls finally validated their victory thanks to the offensive rebounds of the Montenegrin in the final. Chicago was not brilliant, but all was enough to overcome these Wizards, defeated 115-111.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The DeRozan-LaVine-Vucevic trio at work. Chicago is still looking for a way to get the best out of its three stars. This “money time” was not bad in terms of “distribution of tasks” since everyone had their role to play, between Zach LaVine’s streak in outside shooting, DeMar DeRozan’s 15 points in the fourth quarter and the actions “clutch” by Nikola Vucevic, between blocks, passes, rebounds and scoring. A good omen for the future?
– Eye for detail. All the coaches in the league insist on the importance of the details that can make the difference in a tight match like this. Defending, protecting the circle and allowing free throws are among them. On this point, the Wizards held up well by conceding only 17 free throws in the match while they caused 29. The concern is that Washington lacked skill on the penalty line (69% of success). Result of the races, they let slip 9 points on the way where Chicago was more serious (and rewarded), with its 15/17.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Nikola Vucevic. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are regularly highlighted, but in this match, if you have to choose one of the three, it might be him. Author of 25 points with the best shooting percentage (and the least shots taken) of the trio, he also finished with 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals. He was also imperial late in the game, with an offensive rebound to seal the Wizards’ hopes.
⛔️ Kristaps Porzingis. When Bradley Beal is not there, Washington has become his team, the one around which the attack revolves. It allows him to do stats, as was the case tonight, but it also gives him less space than when he is in the role of “lieutenant”, which resulted tonight in a 0 /6 from a distance and 5 lost balls.
✅⛔️ Zach LaVine. The winger really had a bizarre game, with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the end, but also 6 lost balls. It is only recognized by sequences. In any case, we do not find in him the leader he was able to embody in previous years. The set was punctuated by rare brilliant moments, such as during his sequence at 3/3 from afar. For the rest, there is reason to wonder.
THE FOLLOWING
Chicago (15-8): the Bulls host the Mavericks this Saturday (2 a.m.).
Washington (14-9): the Wizards continue on their way to Indianapolis to face the Pacers this Friday (01:00).
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