On January 19, the Chicago Bulls hosted the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA regular season, marking the second meeting between the two teams in just three days. Riding a balanced team effort with 7 players scoring in double digits, the Bulls dominated throughout the game, building a 27-point lead at its peak and securing a convincing 124-102 victory, preventing a season sweep by the Nets. Chicago shot 20 three-pointers and dished out 41 assists, showcasing their offensive cohesion.
Key Stats
- Bulls: White 24 PTS 4 REB 3 AST 2 STL, Dosunmu 19 PTS 5 AST, Vucevic 17 PTS 11 REB 6 AST, Bazely 17 PTS 5 REB 5 AST 2 BLK, Smith 12 PTS 10 REB 3 AST 2 STL, Hert 11 PTS 5 REB 6 AST, Jones 10 PTS 10 AST 2 STL
- Nets: Traore 16 PTS 1 REB 2 AST, Wilson 14 PTS 5 REB 1 AST, Wolf 14 PTS 3 REB 2 AST, Claxton 12 PTS 5 REB 4 AST 2 STL, Martin 11 PTS 3 REB, Jemine 11 PTS
Game Recap
After losing both previous meetings this season, the Nets were missing Powell, Porter Jr., and Haismith, while the Bulls were without Giddey, Poythress, and Collins.
- 1st Quarter: Bulls came out hot, shooting 16/23 (nearly 70%), including 6/7 from three. White hit 3 threes for 9 points. Nets struggled, shooting 9/24 overall and 3/9 from beyond the arc. First quarter ended 39-22 Bulls.
- 2nd Quarter: Bulls scored over 30 points again while holding Nets under 30. White added 16 points including 5 threes, Dosunmu 13, Vucevic 11+7+4. Halftime score: 70-51 Bulls.
- 2nd Half: Scoring slowed, but Bulls maintained control. Third quarter 25-20 extended lead to 24 points. Nets made minor runs in garbage time but couldn’t close the gap. Final: 124-102.
Starters
- Bulls: Okoro, Bazely, Smith, White, Vucevic
- Nets: Wolf, Jemine, Claxton, Mann, Cloney
