The Chicago Bulls triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 139-124 on Thursday night, highlighted by outstanding performances from Nikola Vucevic and Ayo Dosunmu. Vucevic achieved a season-high 39 points while Dosunmu notched 27 points, along with 11 assists and 10 rebounds, securing his first career triple-double.
The game was particularly significant for the Bulls, who never trailed and accumulated a season-high point tally. In the first half alone, they mirrored their season-best by scoring 73 points, establishing a strong 73-57 lead at halftime. Talen Horton-Tucker added 13 points to contribute to the offensive surge, which featured six Bulls players scoring in double figures.
San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson also had a strong showing, achieving a season-high 28 points, while Devin Vassell contributed 17 points. Nonetheless, this loss marked the third defeat for the Spurs in their last four games. The Spurs were without their star player, Victor Wembanyama, who missed the game due to a sore lower back sustained in a previous match against Phoenix. Jeremy Sochan stepped up in Wembanyama’s absence, making his first career start at center and posting 16 points and 14 rebounds.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred right at the beginning, when Zach LaVine hit a 3-pointer on the Bulls’ opening possession, setting the tone for their strong performance. The Bulls’ accurate shooting was noteworthy, as they connected on 57.8% of their shots from the field, surpassing their previous season-best.
Looking ahead, the Bulls are set to host the Indiana Pacers on Friday, while the Spurs will welcome the New Orleans Pelicans the same night.
This victory reflects a promising trajectory for the Bulls, showcasing their depth and ability to adapt in the face of challenges, such as injuries. With rising stars like Dosunmu and Buzelis contributing significantly, Chicago fans can remain hopeful as they continue their season.