Bulls defeat Rockets 132-124

Matas Buzelis delivered in the clutch, scoring the go-ahead layup with 10.2 seconds remaining to lift the Chicago Bulls to a 132-124 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night.

Chicago built a big early cushion but had to hold off a furious Houston comeback before snapping a four-game skid against the Rockets.

The Bulls came out firing, dropping a season-high 41 points in the first quarter and leading by as many as 22. However, Houston erased a 17-point halftime deficit and surged ahead late in the fourth, taking the lead on a three-pointer from Jabari Smith Jr. with 5:56 remaining.

That set the stage for a dramatic finish.

After falling behind by four in the closing moments, Buzelis attacked the rim for the decisive basket, putting Chicago ahead for good.

Collin Sexton powered the Bulls off the bench with 25 points, including 17 in the opening quarter. Buzelis finished with 23, while Leonard Miller added 17. Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Jalen Smith each scored 15 points, with Giddey also dishing out 13 assists in a well-rounded effort.

Houston was led by Kevin Durant, who poured in a game-high 40 points and nearly carried the Rockets to a comeback victory. He scored 15 in the fourth quarter and shot an efficient 15-of-23 from the field, extending his streak of 50% shooting games to nine.

Alperen Şengün added 33 points and Amen Thompson chipped in 23, but Houston couldn’t complete the rally.

Tempers flared late, as Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was ejected after picking up his second technical foul with just over nine seconds remaining.

The loss, combined with a win by the San Antonio Spurs, clinched the Southwest Division for San Antonio.

Up Next: The Rockets head to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, while the Bulls travel to take on the Philadelphia 76ers.