After grabbing a rebound within the third quarter, Bulls guard Josh Giddey stumbled backward and threw the ball within the path of ahead Julian Phillips and guard Zach LaVine. However there was confusion between the gamers. Nobody got here up with the ball, and it went out of bounds.
This was a sloppy efficiency by the Bulls. They have been outscored 29-14 by the 76ers within the fourth quarter, partly due to some inexcusable turnovers.
On the 1:44 mark of the fourth, followers began heading for the exits after a careless turnover by LaVine. Nothing appeared to go proper for the Bulls of their 109-97 loss Saturday.
The 76ers didn’t play notably nicely, although guard Tyrese Maxey routinely torched the Bulls along with his quickness and shot-making potential. Maxey shouldered the offensive load for the 76ers down the stretch and completed with 31 factors and 9 assists.
The 76ers had 25 factors off 20 Bulls turnovers. The Bulls had 11 extra turnovers than the 76ers.
After an inexcusable giveaway by ahead Patrick Williams — who had solely two factors and went 1-for-9 from the sphere — Sixers ahead Kelly Oubre capitalized with a three-pointer, then punctuated the basket with a kiss to the gang.
After the Bulls’ 1-2 West Coast journey, home-court benefit wasn’t sufficient. The loudest the followers cheered all evening was when Oubre missed two free throws to provide the gang free Portillo’s.
This defeat was inexcusable and a low level, even for the Bulls. The 76ers have been on the second recreation of a back-to-back and with out star heart Joel Embiid. Paul George solely performed 12:42 earlier than exiting with a pinkie damage, and guard Jared McCain is out for the season with a knee damage. However the 76ers performed with vitality and energy. The Bulls’ execution simply wasn’t there.
They shot 65% from the free-throw line and 31.6% from three-point vary.
Bulls heart Nikola Vucevic scored 22 factors and grabbed 12 rebounds. LaVine had 25 factors and eight rebounds.
Whether or not it was careless turnovers or the lackluster protection, the Bulls allowed the 76ers to do no matter they wished. The Bulls missed simple baskets across the rim and didn’t play bodily protection. The sport was winnable all through the fourth quarter, however the Bulls couldn’t cease turning the ball over.
The Bulls are 8-16 at house and 11-11 on the highway. The United Heart had a sleepy vitality — from followers in attendance in addition to one of many groups on the courtroom. With the Feb. 6 commerce deadline quickly approaching, the Bulls’ path is changing into clear.
