SUBJECT: Bulls (4-7)
TRACKING… GM. 1 • 11/12 V. NYK
W, 120-102
Chicago (4-7) picked up a much needed victory over the lowly Knicks (2-9) last night but it wasn't exactly smooth sailing.
Similar to previous games, the Bulls started well - got out to a 36-24 advantage early in the 2nd quarter. Jim Boylen switched up his reserve rotation, w/ Wendell Carter Jr. & Lauri Markkanen occupying the second-string center spot frequently occupied by Luke Kornet.
The offense seemed to flow a little better but Chicago’s defensive lapses allowed New York to trim double-digit leads on two separate occasions - once before the 1st half ended and again before the 3rd quarter was over.
It was until the 4th Chica-er, Coby White sparked a run that would eventually close the game. White went on a personal 12-0 run to start the period - 4! straight triples to stretch the lead. He went on to hit 3 more in the final 12 minutes, a Bulls & NBA-record for most 3s in one quarter.
It was a tremendous confidence booster for White, who played in front of his college coach, (the legendary) Roy Williams.
Overall, it was a nice win for Chicago..all things considered.
Markkanen played a decent game (13 & 8) despite still struggling with his shot (4/10), WCJ set the tone with inspired play on both ends (17 & 12 boards), Zach LaVine scored 25 pts on 45% shooting & solid bench contributions (Kris Dunn: 13, 5 boards & 3 steals • Ryan Arcidiacano: 8 assists • White: 27! pts, 7! triples) ended up making the key difference.
QUICK NOTES
Z. LaVine: 4th game of 25 or more
C. White: 2nd game of 25 or more (10/25 v. MEM)
K. Dunn: 13 pts, 3 steals (19 min. off bench)
T. Young: 29 min (1 foul); L. Markkanen: 27 min (2 fouls)
T. Satoransky: 5 pts in 23 min.
L. Kornet: DNP
Chandler Hutchison: started in place of Otto Porter Jr. (foot); 7 pts, 3 boards in 21 min.
CHI: made 14!/33 from deep
CHI: 51% shooting
CHI: 22 dimes v. 19 TOs