Stop The Music- Bulls Beat The Jazz 111-97

The Jazz opened the second quarter with a 22-7 run, setting the tone for much of the period. Rookie sensation Matas Buzelis delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring seven consecutive points in the quarter alone. 

The second quarter was a complete turnaround. The Bulls scored only 23 points compared to the Jazz's 31. This did not result from turnovers by the Bulls; rather, it stemmed from a lack of successful shots. The Bulls shot just 36% from the field and, as a team, made only three free throw attempts. 

The Bulls entered halftime with a one-point lead, 54-53. Coby White led the Bulls with 14 points, while both Matas Buzelis and Kevin Huerter contributed 11 points each. The Jazz were led in scoring by former Bull Lauri Markkanen, who had 16 points.

The Bulls began to assert themselves in the third quarter, particularly on the defensive end. This surge in energy allowed Chicago to pull away as the quarter progressed. Midway through the third, the Bulls went on a 20-6 run, showcasing a true team effort as six different players contributed to that scoring spurt. Chicago led after three quarters, 86-78.

The Bulls continued to force turnovers on defense, led by Tre Jones, allowing them to score easy points in transition. Jazz guards Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George, along with their teammates, struggled with errant passes while trying to create scoring opportunities down the stretch.

The Chicago Bulls went on a quick 12-0 run to extend their lead to 16 points over the Utah Jazz. Tre Jones delivered another strong performance down the stretch as the Bulls pulled away, defeating the Jazz 111-97.

Coby White led Chicago with 26 points, marking his ninth consecutive 20-point game. Tre Jones recorded his first double-double as a Bull, contributing 18 points, 12 assists, and three steals. Kevin Huerter and Matas Buzelis each added 17 points and nine rebounds. Julian Phillips and Dalen Terry provided energy with a fast-paced transition style that helped the Bulls secure their lead. 

With a Miami Heat loss and a Bulls win, the Bulls now move into the 9th seed in the East, essentially solidifying their Play-In appearance.

What's On Tap Next? 

The Bulls continue their road trip out West as they will head down to Phoenix to face Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns. 

As always... See Red!