THE Bulls spoiled the party for the substitute’s return to play LeBron James (19 points, 8 rebounds), delivering a full game from start to finish, with a solid collective to support the pair DeMar DeRozan (17 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds) / Zach LaVine (32 points) and maintain the Lakers at a good distance until the end (118-108).
Billy Donovan’s troops at first did more than resist Los Angelesrelying on Zach LaVine and a Coby White (13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) hot as embers at the end of the first quarter (26-29). It took at least that to respond to the impact ofAnthony Davis (15 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists) and the outside address of Troy Brown Jr. (4/9), all embellished with the entry of LeBron James, author of a decisive pass for Austin Reaves (13 points, 7 assists) and a layup after entering the game.
In trust, Chicago moved up a gear by attacking the second act with a 9-0, marked by the 3-pointers of Patrick Williams (26-38). Despite the efforts of Austin Reaves, the Lakers are unable to hold the Bulls in defense. alongsideAndre Drummond (12 points, 8 rebounds), Ayo Dosunmu had a field day with two 3-point shots (37-52). Zach LaVine then placed the locals against the wall, with a dunk and a 3-pointer to bring the gap to +20 four minutes from the break (39-59).
A good effort concluded by LeBron James allowed Los Angeles to catch up more than half of their deficit at halftime, while the expulsion of Nikola Vucevic also helped to maintain hope (55-63). But the “Windy City” franchise has given a boost to the Crypto.com Arena, starting the third quarter with a 13-2 initiated by a 3-pointer and a layup of Patrick Beverly (10 points, 5 assists), the former home (57-76).
With LeBron James still omnipresent, the “Purple & Gold” managed to stay alive with an 11-2 to return to -12 (71-83). A 3-pointer from Malik Beasley (18 points), a layup Austin Reaves and two baskets from Anthony Davis later, everything was possible twelve minutes from time (78-91)…
This time, it was DeMar DeRozan who launched Chicago on an 8-0 entry, with two baskets at 3-pointers as icing on the cake to relegate the Lakers again to 20 points (79-99 ). What to bury the suspense for good and allow the Bulls to sign a new success outside (108-118), while Patrick Beverley chambered LeBron James with a “too small” of which he has the secret!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Bulls pass the sixth. Chicago is on a good streak outside, with this sixth consecutive success acquired far from its bases. The Bulls seem to enjoy this role of “underdog” in hostile terrain, with a certain appetite for the big guys, like Denver or Philadelphia. On this match, we will remember the collective and a good outside address (14/31 at 3-points) which allowed the teammates of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine to continue their series.
– LeBron James started on the bench. It’s a small event, as it’s only the second time in his career that the King hasn’t started a game in the five in 1,414 appearances! The first time was on December 11, 2007 with the Cavs, when he wanted to support Anderson Varejao so that he wouldn’t be whistled by the Cleveland public. Coming back from a foot injury that sidelined him for 13 games, he came on midway through the first quarter and mostly finished the game on the pitch.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ The DeRozan/LaVine duo. The two held their rank brilliantly, rising to the occasion. Zach LaVine stood out more in scoring, but DeMar DeRozan was valuable until the end to secure the victory, especially in creation (10 assists).
✅ LeBron James. A more than encouraging return, because he quickly found his marks and his reflexes as a leader, even in a difficult match from start to finish. In total, he played 30 minutes without glitch and, we can say it: LeBron is back.
✅ ⛔ Anthony Davis. Good sequences, but a match weighed down by faults, in particular his 4th and 5th which fell at the end of the third quarter and which then considerably handicapped him.
⛔ Nikola Vucevic. Too discreet about his 15 minutes spent on the floor, he was sent off just before half-time, believing that LeBron James had fouls him before benefiting from a 2+1. The Montenegrin took a first technical fault then a second, for having used too flowery a vocabulary with regard to the refereeing corps. A blow without consequence for the Bulls, who were able to count on Andre Drummond to take over.
THE FOLLOWING
Los Angeles (37-38) : the Lakers will find the Bulls, in Chicago this time, Wednesday (02:00).
Chicago (36-38) : the Bulls continue in Los Angeles against the Clippers, this Monday (04:30).
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