That’s how it is. It sounds resounding, but it is. These are some new Bulls, ones that are comfortably in playoff positions and that last night they defeated the Nuggets in Denver, something that had not happened in the last 15 years, exactly since February 8, 2006 …
After 13 consecutive defeats in Colorado, the boys coached by Billy Donovan put an end to such an ill-fated streak at the hands of Zach LaVine. The Chicago player was huge going to 36 points (12 in the fourth quarter) and adding five rebounds and four assists to his stat sheet. «It is extraordinary to see him play. He is one of the best in the league making difficult shots, ”says his coach.
For LaVine one of the keys to the good work of the Bulls is in the tandem he forms with DeMar DeRozan, who last night signed 26 points (12 of 12 from the free throw line). They have to choose one of the two. One of us is going to have a good shooting position or the option to create a play ”, he comments regarding the fact that he is a double threat to the opponent.
Chicago’s victory was forged in the second half. Denver started better and was even up 12 points in the first quarter. The Illinois players cut advantages and in the second half imposed their law despite the final reaction of the Nuggets, which was placed just two points with 29 seconds left thanks to a triple by Will Barton (23 points). The success from DeRozan’s staff definitively closed the clash.
Sin Jokic
He was the great absentee of the night. Nikola Jokic could not be on the floor because of a sprain to his right wrist, which would have occurred in the previous meeting against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Nuggets trailed 26.4 points, 13.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists. For now it is unknown if the injury will have more games away from the courts, although Michael Malone has stressed that he does not believe it is something serious. The Nuggets coach was happy with the battle his boys had against Chicago.
“I am proud of our guys for competing. Competing and playing this way, we gave ourselves a chance despite being severely understaffed. I applaud the efforts of our boys, “he says.
(Photo by Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)