© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers 141-132
The Chicago Bulls lost their second game in a row after the Los Angeles Lakers beat them, 141-132, to drop their record to 21-25. The Lakers waxed hot from the field as they shot over 60 percent. They were especially hot from the outside, draining 20 three-pointers—eight coming from point guard D’Angelo Russell, who finished with a team-high 29 points.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis had double-doubles as the former produced 25 points and 12 assists, while the latter tallied 22 points and 11 boards to help even their record up at 23-23.
Spectacular second quarter
The Bulls got a strong start and led 32-31 after the first. The second quarter was all Lakers as they made all but three shots in an explosive 42-point showing that put them in front 73-57 at halftime.
The Lakers clicked on both ends of the court in the second quarter, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. The Lakers went 6-of-7 from long distance, while the Bulls only hit three of their 11 three-pointers in that pivotal stretch. Chicago’s ball movement also went awry as they assisted on only six baskets and committed four turnovers.
Failed comeback
The Bulls tried to rally behind the hot shooting of DeMar DeRozan in the fourth, cutting the deficit down to eight, 140-132, with under a minute to go in the game. However, time was not on Chicago’s side as the Lakers held them at bay until the final buzzer.
DeRozan finished with 32 points, Coby White added 25, and Nikola Vucevic added in 20 markers.
“We certainly dug ourselves a hole,” Chicago coach Billy Donovan said.
“The difference in the game was the foul line for them. We fouled them too much. They shot astronomically well. The turnovers, and the close of the second quarter, really hurt.”
The Bulls try to end their three-game road trip out West with a win when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
