Victor Wembanyama leads Spurs to win over Bulls |
Dustin Riese
· · 3 hours ago
CHICAGO - After dropping back-to-back road contests, the Chicago Bulls (6-4) returned home to the United Center on Monday, facing adversity for the first time this season. This was a team that started 5-0 to begin the season, but entered this game against the San Antonio Spurs (8-2), losers of three of their last four, including one that saw them have a massive fourth-quarter meltdown.
Hoping to get back on track at home, where they came into play unbeaten, the Bulls found themselves in another tight contest late as the Spurs rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to pull within striking distance late. Powered by Victor Wembanyama’s historic stat line and clutch fourth-quarter performance, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Chicago Bulls 121-117. Wembanyama finished with 38 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, along with 12 rebounds and five blocks, making history as the first NBA player ever with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and five three-pointers in a game. Not only were the Bulls facing adversity for the first time after back-to-back losses, but their go-to offensive weapon, Josh Giddey, was out for this game due to a sprained ankle and is listed as day-to-day. Not having Giddey in the lineup is a massive blow for this team, as Kevin Huerter moved into the starting lineup to replace him, while the rest of the lineup was expected to step up. Right from the opening tip, you had a sense of how things would go as the Spurs got off to a hot start, taking a 34-26 lead after the first quarter as Wembanyama hit early threes and used his length to disrupt the Bulls’ offense. Given the Bulls' lack of size on the interior, that shouldn't come as a surprise, as the Bulls had to make some instant adjustments on the fly. They did that to start the second quarter, as playing from behind is no stranger to this team. Chicago responded in the second quarter with a 38-point outburst, fueled by Kevin Huerter’s outside shooting and Ayo Dosunmu’s transition baskets, flipping the lead and taking a 64-63 edge into halftime. Huerter did a phenomenal job filling in for Giddey, as he led the Bulls with 23 points, with Dosunmu adding 20 off the bench to lead the Bulls' second unit. With both teams separated by one point at the break, everyone knew the third quarter would be the turning point in this one, as both teams have been tremendous third-quarter teams this season. After trading baskets early, you started to see the Bulls' offense get the balance they were looking for as former Spur Tre Jones was capping off a 20-point effort while also leading the way in what was a 10-2 fourth quarter surge for Chicago. Huerter nailed a three-pointer just before the buzzer, giving Chicago a 98-89 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Already with a comfortable lead entering the fourth, the Bulls appeared in control, extending their lead to 104-91 and putting the Spurs on the brink of getting blown out. It was at that moment when the game changed as the generational Wembanyama took over and put the Spurs on his back down the stretch. Wembanyama scored 10 straight points for the Spurs by mixing fadeaway jumpers and threes, pulling San Antonio within three points with about seven minutes left in regulation. As the Bulls’ offense stalled (shooting just 28% in the period), the Spurs surged ahead on a late 10-0 run, including back-to-back threes from Wembanyama, who, as mentioned above, scored nearly half of his points in the fourth quarter. Clinging to a two-point lead late in the game, Stephon Castle iced the game with a pair of free throws, and although Chicago tried to rally, they couldn’t overcome the deficit, falling to the Spurs 121-117. The loss marks the Bulls' third straight defeat and their fourth in their last five games, while also blowing their second fourth-quarter lead in their previous three. De’Aaron Fox scored 21 points in his second appearance for San Antonio, supporting Wembanyama along with Stephon Castle (19 points, 11 assists) and Luke Kornet (16 points). For the Bulls, Kevin Huerter led with 23 points, while Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones each chipped in 20. Jalen Smith added a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1StOCywEDtI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1dhW19YZdM&t=810s
