What we learned from the Chicago Bulls' meltdown against the Phoenix Suns

Here are two takeaways from the Bulls' deflating defeat at the hands of the Suns.

© Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls had the Phoenix Suns square in their sights but lost focus in the second half to eventually taste a bitter 115-113 defeat on Monday night. Here are two key takeaways from the narrow loss.

Foul trouble for Caruso

Alex Caruso had a stellar game against the Suns, rifling in five three-pointers for 15 points to go with four rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. He was a huge reason why Suns superstar Kevin Durant shot 4-of-16 at one point. However, Caruso was called for his fourth foul and exited the game with 7:31 left in the third, with Chicago ahead by 20, 79-59.

The Suns took advantage of Caruso’s absence by rattling off a 24-11 run to trail by only seven, 90-83, at the end of the third.

AC has tied his career high with 5⃣ three-pointers! 🔥@ACFresh21 | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/dExfvFFYag

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 23, 2024

Feisty game

The game got more feisty in the third as the physical play from both teams escalated. Suns big man Drew Eubanks was at the center of most of these mini skirmishes as he was called for a technical foul for shoving Bulls guard Coby White during a rebound scrum. 

Bulls center Andre Drummond was also called for a technical foul as he shoved Eubanks after a hard foul by the latter. Bulls wingman DeMar DeRozan was all for it.

"Sometimes it makes it that much more exciting when it gets a little chippy," DeRozan said.

"I love it. As long as it don't go too far and get carried away, a little chippyness is always good here and there."

Drew Eubanks receives a technical for this pic.twitter.com/KpJIFCysnd

— Cage (@ridiculouscage) January 23, 2024

Kevin Durant rips the Chicago Bulls' hearts out as he hits a game-winning jumper to lift the Phoenix Suns to a 115-113 win