Nikola Vucevic led the charge with a commanding double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, as the Chicago Bulls cruised past the Washington Wizards 127-108 on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup matchup.
With the win, the Bulls now find themselves in a tight three-way tie at 2-1 with Boston and Atlanta in East Group C, edging just ahead of Cleveland by half a game.
Coby White had his best offensive outing of the season, dropping a team-high 21 points, while Zach LaVine added 18 points, showcasing Chicago’s balanced scoring attack. This victory not only marked the Bulls’ largest margin of victory this season but also highlighted their second-best defensive effort, holding the Wizards to just 108 points.
The game’s turning point came in the second quarter when Chicago flipped the script on a sluggish start. The Bulls unleashed a 40-18 run, fueled by efficient shooting and defensive intensity, effectively sealing the game by halftime. It was their second-highest scoring quarter of the season, while the Wizards were left scrambling, allowing their second-most points in a single period.
Kyle Kuzma did his best to keep Washington afloat, scoring a game-high 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to halt the Wizards’ downward spiral. Washington has now dropped 12 consecutive games and sits winless at 0-3 in East Group C, officially eliminating them from quarterfinal contention in the NBA Cup.
Rookie Alex Sarr, however, provided a rare bright spot for the Wizards. The 7-foot forward tied his career high with 20 points, including an impressive 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Known for his versatility, Sarr showed why Washington selected him second overall in the NBA Draft, improving his season-long three-point percentage to 24.3%.
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One of the most notable stats from the night was Chicago’s drastic improvement from beyond the arc. After starting the game ice cold—just 1-of-13 from three-point range in the first quarter—the Bulls found their rhythm, connecting on 10 of their next 15 attempts, a shooting stretch that carried well into the second half.
Chicago’s road success this season continues to stand out. The Bulls improved to 6-5 away from home, joining Eastern Conference heavyweights Cleveland (8-1) and Boston as one of only three teams currently above .500 on the road.
For the Wizards, the absence of starting point guard Jordan Poole was evident for the second straight game, as the team struggled to generate consistent offensive flow. Poole remains sidelined with left hip soreness, and Washington has yet to find a reliable replacement to anchor their backcourt in his absence.
Despite the lopsided loss, Sarr’s breakout performance hints at a potential future cornerstone for the rebuilding Wizards. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends of the court is something Washington will look to develop further as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, the schedule doesn’t get any easier for either team. The Wizards will face the Los Angeles Clippers at home on Wednesday night, hoping to snap their prolonged losing streak. Meanwhile, the Bulls will travel to Orlando to take on the Magic, aiming to build on their momentum and strengthen their position in the tightly contested East Group C.
With their offense clicking and defensive intensity rising, Chicago has the tools to make a deep run in the NBA Cup, but consistency will be key as they navigate a challenging stretch of the season.
