×

DeRozan, Vucevic lead way as Bulls hold off Cavs 117-104

Cleveland Cavaliers' Lauri Markkanen (24) fouls Chicago Bulls' Ayo Dosunmu after Dosunmu intercepted a pass intended for Markkanen during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, in Chicago. The Bulls won 117-104. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

CHICAGO — DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points, Nikola Vucevic added 24 points and 12 rebounds, and the struggling Chicago Bulls ended the game on a 14-2 run to hold off the surging Cleveland Cavaliers 117-104 on Wednesday night.

The Bulls steadied themselves after losing a season-high four straight and falling into a first-place tie with Miami in the Eastern Conference.

They answered in a big way when Cleveland pulled within 103-102 on a 3-pointer by former Bulls player Lauri Markkanen and free throw by Isaac Okoro.

Ayo Dosunmu nailed a 3-pointer for Chicago with just over 4 minutes remaining to start the decisive rally. Vucevic hit two 3s and a layup during that stretch, helping Chicago stop Cleveland’s season-high, five-game win streak.

Dosunmu scored 18, hitting three of Chicago’s 10 3s. Coby White added 16 points and four steals. The Bulls also scored 24 points off turnovers on the way to a win they sorely needed.

Markkanen led Cleveland with 28 points. The 7-footer from Finland made five 3s in his first game in Chicago and second against the Bulls since a sign-and-trade deal in August.

Darius Garland had 20 points and 12 assists. Evan Mobley added 18 points.

DeRozan had 16 in the second quarter. Chicago ended the half on a 10-0 run to go up 58-49, and the Bulls withstood several pushes the rest of the way.

TIP-INS

Cavaliers: G Rajon Rondo (sore right hamstring) worked out with the G League’s Cleveland Charge on Wednesday, and the feedback was positive, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. The four-time All-Star missed his fifth consecutive game.

Bulls: Zach LaVine (sore left knee) and Lonzo Ball (bruised left knee) missed their third game in a row and will not travel to Milwaukee, Orlando and Oklahoma City, coach Billy Donovan said. LaVine has been shooting free throws and doing strength training, though not running or jumping.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today