Bulls Sunk at Sea by Clippers, 122-117

The Bulls quickly built a five-point lead to start the game, but the Clippers responded just as swiftly and tied the score. Former Bull Derrick Jones Jr. found his rhythm at the United Center, scoring nine points in the first quarter, nearing his average. Collins also had a strong beginning, adding eight points and showcasing his ability to navigate screens effectively.

The Clippers came out strong in the second quarter, prompting Billy Donovan to call a timeout at 8:47 after they established a 12-point lead. The new Bulls players, Tre Jones and Collins, responded by putting pressure on the Clippers as soon as they returned to the game. 

Jones took advantage of Collins’s passing skills by cutting to the rim for an easy backdoor layup. Zubac, usually known for his strong interior presence, found himself less effective because he had to adjust to Collins’s shooting. Just before halftime, the Bulls gained a one-point lead after a foul on Giddey during a layup attempt.

James Harden dominated the second half, scoring 27 points on his own, capped off by a timely shot that secured the win for the Clippers. The Bulls remained resilient throughout Harden's masterclass, as Giddey and Coby White combined for 27 points in the same period. Though the Bulls struggled against the star power of the Clippers, they still managed a solid team performance. 

What's On Tap Next?

The Chicago Bulls will host the Toronto Raptors at the United Center on Saturday, Feb. 28th. The game will tip off at 7 pm CT and will air on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).