DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points and teammate Zach LaVine added 24 to snap a five-game winning streak for the Brooklyn Nets. Those of Illinois won 95-118 thanks to a last period of scandal where they registered a favorable partial of 17-42.
Likewise, rookie Ayo Dosumnu contributed 15 points, his best score of the course, being a key factor in the comeback of the Bulls, who had lost in the double confrontation with the Philadelphia 76ers.
For his part, Kevin Durant, the best scorer in the league with 28.6 points per game, once again stood out with 38 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, but his contribution was not enough to beat Billy Donovan’s.
The Nets accused the back to back and they ran out of fuel in the fourth quarter. They came from beating the Toronto Raptors 116-103 last morning.
“We remained aggressive. We had a couple of stages, especially in the first half where we got messed up at both ends of the track. Losing the ball and letting them go in transition, “admitted DeMar DeRozan.
But we were firm. Especially in the last period. We continued attacking and being aggressive, and we made things very difficult for them, “he said.
DeRozan hit back-to-back baskets to equal the 80-80 score, and rookie Dosumnu helped put them ahead 84-80 with a free throw and a subsequent two-plus-one that brought the United Center crowd to their feet.
“He’s very, very good at dribbling and going to the basket,” noted Billy Donovan about the rookie. “He’s going to impact the game, he’s going to influence the game, and he’s incredibly motivated,” he explained.
The Nets collapsed in the final stretch after reaching the fourth quarter ahead 78-76. They did the pitches. And they were aggressive in what they did. They have some high-level shooters on that team, so they got really tough shots all night long. You have to give them credit. They have played with great intensity “, concluded Kevin Durant.
Other standouts from the New Yorkers were LaMarcus Aldridge with 19 points; and James Harden with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, although with a 4/11 shooting from the field.
(Cover photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)