The Bulls' crazy comeback continues with a 10th victory in 15 games, and they are firmly in 10th place, synonymous with “play-in” at the end of the season. We're not there yet, but Chicago's defense is reassuring since Billy Donovan's men won 105-92 against the Sixers still deprived of Joel Embiid.
For their part, the Bulls must deal without Zach LaVine or Nikola Vucevic, and it is Pat Williams who will put his training on the right track. A perfect lookalike of Kawhi Leonard when he tries hard, the Bulls strong winger will weigh on the match with his distant skill in the first quarter, but also his departures from the 3-point line to set then pass. Chicago takes control (16-8) and under the boards, Andre Drummond begins his enormous project: 9 rebounds at the end of the first quarter (24-21).
DeRozan, the spark
On the Philly side, Tyrese Maxey comes out of his box and begins his festival. Supported by De'Anthony Melton and Kelly Oubre Jr, the Sixers leader signs a 9-4 to put his team in front (32-31). The match is balanced, but DeMar DeRozan unleashes himself in his usual style. The Sixers' defense cracks, and the Bulls sign an 11-2 to return to the locker room with an eight-point lead (56-48).
The Bulls master their subject, and Patrick Williams continues to make people appreciate his technique, like on this one-handed shot above the defense (66-59), or this left-handed dunk on a caviar from Alex Caruso. Below the circle, Andre Drummond continues to dominate and he covers Tyrese Maxey. Back on the field, Nicolas Batum hits from afar, but the Bulls do not weaken. Better still, they give a boost.
As in the first half, the spark is named DeRozan. In its wake, Chicago went 13-2 to increase the gap from +5 to +16 four minutes from the end (95-79). Ayo Dosunmu's rainbow shot, at the 24-second buzzer, puts a big blow on the Sixers' heads. Result: two minutes later, Nick Nurse started “garbage time”, and Chicago won 105-92.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Good Williams. We're still waiting for him to explode in the NBA, but there's something better about Pat Williams. In bits and pieces, he reveals the full range of a versatile winger, whether it's taking intervals while dribbling from the 3-point line, or hitting in the corner. In the absence of the LaVine-Vucevic duo, he takes his responsibilities.
– Drummond still gluttonous. Even if he is still clumsy on free throws, Andre Drummond has done the Bulls a lot of good since he started. He signed a second game with 20 rebounds or more, and he also brought interceptions and blocks.
– News of the injured. The two teams meet again on Tuesday, and Joel Embiid should take the opportunity to return to the field. For Nikola Vucevic, it is still too early, while Zach LaVine will simply return to training.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
