Nikola Vucevic exploded for a season-high 39 points, and Ayo Dosunmu notched his first career triple-double to propel the Chicago Bulls to a commanding 139-124 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.
The Spurs were without Victor Wembanyama, sidelined with a back injury, leaving them struggling to keep pace with Chicago’s potent offense.
Dosunmu delivered a career-best performance with 27 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility in just his fourth season. The Bulls never trailed in the game, pouring in a season-high 73 points in the first half en route to their highest scoring game of the season.
Spurs Miss Wembanyama’s Presence
Keldon Johnson led San Antonio with a season-high 28 points, while Devin Vassell added 17. Without Wembanyama, who is day-to-day with a sore lower back, the Spurs lacked the defensive anchor and offensive spark he typically provides. Despite solid efforts from their supporting cast, San Antonio couldn’t overcome Chicago’s offensive efficiency.
Takeaways from the Game
Bulls: Rookie Matas Buzelis continued to impress, scoring 11 points after a career-high 20 in his previous game. His recent consistency hints at a promising future. Six Bulls players scored in double figures, highlighting the team’s balanced attack.
Spurs: Jeremy Sochan made a strong return to the starting lineup after a 13-game absence due to thumb surgery. Starting at center in Wembanyama’s place, Sochan contributed 16 points and 14 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to counter Chicago’s firepower.
Key Moment
Zach LaVine set the tone for the Bulls with a 3-pointer on the opening possession, sparking Chicago’s most prolific offensive night of the season. That early statement carried the Bulls to a 16-point halftime lead that the Spurs never seriously threatened.
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Key Stat
Chicago shot a blistering 57.8% from the field, surpassing their previous season-best of 57% against Atlanta on November 22. Their efficiency ensured San Antonio had little chance to mount a comeback.
Player Performances
Vucevic dominated in the paint and beyond, scoring effortlessly in a performance that reminded fans of his All-Star caliber play. Dosunmu’s triple-double further highlighted the Bulls’ versatility, while Talen Horton-Tucker chipped in 13 points off the bench.
For the Spurs, Johnson’s season-high 28 points were a bright spot, but poor defensive execution and cold shooting stretches doomed their chances.
What’s Next?
The Bulls return to action Friday night, hosting the Indiana Pacers in the second game of a back-to-back, as they look to build on this offensive momentum. Meanwhile, the Spurs face the New Orleans Pelicans, hoping Wembanyama’s return will provide a much-needed boost.
With their impressive performance, the Bulls demonstrated they’re finding rhythm offensively, while the Spurs continue to struggle without their rookie star.
