The Chicago Bulls pulled off a surprising victory against the Denver Nuggets, thanks to an impressive second-half performance and a barrage of three-pointers. We outscored the Nuggets 68-53 in the final two quarters, with our three-point shooting making the difference. The Bulls knocked down 24 threes compared to Denver’s six, giving us a crucial edge in the math battle.
Despite giving up 84 points in the paint, our perimeter shooting and bench play proved to be the difference-makers. Billy Donovan made some key adjustments, including moving Patrick Williams to the bench, which paid off as Williams contributed 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in 28 minutes.
The real story of the game, however, was the emergence of Matas Buzelis. The rookie showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second half where he displayed aggression and confidence. His highlight-reel play, dropping Aaron Gordon before finishing with a powerful dunk, exemplified the kind of energy and potential he brings to the team.
Dalen Terry also had a standout performance off the bench, scoring 13 points in just 13 minutes and shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. His energy and efficiency were crucial in maintaining our momentum throughout the game.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this win was the team’s ability to respond to Denver’s runs. Every time the Nuggets threatened to close the gap, we answered with timely baskets and defensive stops. This resilience is something we’ve been lacking for much of the season, so it was refreshing to see the team maintain their composure and energy throughout the second half.
Looking ahead, we’ll need to navigate the temporary absence of Zach LaVine, who will miss some time due to the birth of his child. While losing our leading scorer presents a challenge, it also opens up opportunities for other players to step up and showcase their abilities.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bulls’ victory over the Nuggets, tune into the Locked On Bulls podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bulls Podcast:
• Patrick Williams’ performance off the bench and his future role
• Potential lineup changes in Zach LaVine’s absence
• Billy Donovan’s coaching adjustments and their impact on the game
