Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic Lead Bulls' Surge Past Spurs

This strong start was a key to the Bulls' victory as there were only two lead changes throughout the game. Chicago committed six turnovers in the second quarter and became lackadaisical on the defense, allowing Spurs' rookie Stephon Castle to emerge. Castle scored seven points in the frame and was a standout point-of-attack defender.

The Bulls, who at one point led by 20, scored their most points in one half this year with 73 in the first half against San Antonio. They also shot a season-best 60% in the first half with the most bench points all year (32). It was perhaps their best half of the season and resulted in a 73-57 lead going into the locker room.

Bulls Hold On as 2nd Half Heats Up

While the Spurs outscored the Bulls in the third quarter, the visitors still poured in 35 points. Nikola Vucevic continued to dominate the paint and scored 13 points while hitting one three-pointer. The Spurs shared the ball effectively, notching assists on 10 of their 14 made field goals. 

A heated third quarter featured three technical fouls assessed as Vucevic, Chris Paul, and Spurs coach Mitch Johnson racked up violations. Through it all, the Bulls carried a 108-97 lead into the final frame.

The Bulls went on an 18-4 run in the fourth quarter to help maintain their lead to the finish line. Ayo Dosunmu led the charge with two steals and 11 points in the final frame while Vucevic chipped in 13 points.

The Spurs didn't go quietly, however, as they embarked on a 13-2 run with six minutes left. After two free throws by Keldon Johnson, the Bulls only led by eight with three minutes to go. San Antonio employed a zone defense but the Bulls' guards did a good job of finding Vucevic in the middle to make the Spurs switch back to man-to-man.

Down 13 with two minutes left, Johnson cleared his bench and waved the white flag. Six Bulls scored in double digits to propel the 139-124 victory.

Thoughts and Trends

For the first time since Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan did so in 1989, Bulls teammates recorded triple-doubles in back-to-back games with Ayo Dosunmu's dominance against San Antonio following Josh Giddey's impressive line Monday against the Brooklyn Nets.

Highlighted by his first career triple-double, Dosunmu is slowly starting to reintroduce himself as an elite two-way role player. The Illinois product is averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 47% from three-point range over his last five contests.

Nikola Vucevic finished with 39 points and eight rebounds, fully taking advantage of Victor Wembanyama's absence. The veteran is making a strong case for an All-Star selection by averaging almost 22 points and 10 rebounds per game.

The Bulls won back-to-back games for the first time since the end of October and improved to 10-13 on the season.

What's On Tap Next?

Chicago returns home Friday to face the division-rival Indiana Pacers. The Bulls seek to extend their winning streak to three games as Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers are struggling to string together wins.

For a more in-depth preview of the Bulls-Pacers matchup, tune in to the Bulls On Tap spaces conversation covering Chicago's keys to victory against Indiana.

Friday's tip-off is at 7 p.m. CT and the game will air on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).