Bulls 127, Wizards 108 – November 26, 2024

Don’t let a 29-21 first quarter score fool you, the two worst defenses in the NBA didn’t do a 180.

The shooting qualities of both teams left a lot to be desired in the first frame, especially from behind the arc. Chicago went an ugly 1-for-13 from distance, while the Wizards sank just three of their 13 attempts from behind the arc. Both teams struggled to get into any offensive rhythm, but then the Bulls switched to their bench.

A quick 8 points from Jalen Smith early in the second quarter helped Chicago tie the game at 36 apiece. From then on it was all cops. Matas Buzelis had a fierce baseline dunk, Julian Phillips had a putback and Ayo Dosunmu made it to the charity stripe. Coby White also scored 10 points and the Bulls took an impressive 40-18 lead in the quarterfinals. Praise the 29th Wizards defense!

White’s momentum continued as he emerged from the locker room. Shooting 4:5 from downtown, he added 11 more points to the tally. Overall, the Bulls shot 64 percent, but only increased their lead over the Wizards by one. Washington took a 15-19 lead from the free throw line, while the Bulls never made a single trip to the charity stripe. Kudos to the Bulls’ 30th-ranked Bulls defense!

Still, a comeback in the fourth quarter was not in sight for the 2-13 Wizards. They were already missing leading scorer Jordan Poole and couldn’t control the Bulls’ bench. Chicago’s second unit outscored Washington’s 46-34. The Wizards also finished the night just 10-for-37 from distance and an ugly 13/23 at the rim. Their ice-cold shots helped the Bulls, as did their lackluster defensive pressure.

Chicago is now 2-1 in NBA Cup group play. Their final game of this round is Friday night against the Boston Celtics. Win this…and the Bulls could advance to the elimination round! Who would have thought!?

Player grades

Coby White – A
Statistics: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST

Coby White did what he was supposed to do against one of the worst defenses in the league. After a disappointing start, he took control of the second and third quarters, shooting 7-13 from the field and 5-9 from downtown.

Jalen Smith – A –
Statistics: 12 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK

Jalen Smith was present for the entire 18 minutes of play. His 8 points in the second quarter helped put the Bulls on the right track and lead the bench to success.

Ayo Dosunmu – B
Statistics: 12 PTS, 3 AST, 3 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK

Ayo Dosunmu may not have been at the top of the scoreboard, but he had a really nice all-round game. His defense, in particular, disrupted the Wizards’ backcourt and contributed significantly to them shooting just 42.9 percent from the field.

Nikola Vucevic – B
Statistics: 19 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST

Nikola Vucevic had a little trouble keeping No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr at bay tonight, but he still finished a +25 and continued his reliable play.

Matas Buzelis – B
Statistics: 9 PTS, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK

Matas Buzelis had another solid longer run! He managed to get downhill well and finished 3-3. We saw him have a nice baseline cut for the slam, take veteran Anthony Gill off the dribble and hit him with a nice spin move to finish. Keep showing the lightning, Tower!

Zach LaVine – C+
Statistics: 18 PTS, 4 AST, 1 REB

As the game continued, Zach LaVine realized he didn’t have to do much for the Bulls to get the win. It was a well-deserved relaxing evening for the All-Star.

Box score