The Chicago Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 112-99 on Monday night, snapping a five-game losing streak. Zach LaVine led the way with 35 points, shooting 11-of-21 from the field and 5-of-12 from beyond the arc.
The Bulls improved to 19-25 on the season, securing only their second win in eight back-to-back games. Talen Horton-Tucker contributed 18 points off the bench, while Josh Giddey nearly notched a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Los Angeles, now 24-18, was without Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac. Leonard sat out due to injury management for his right knee, and Zubac missed his first game of the season after suffering an eye injury.
Norman Powell carried the Clippers with 27 points, while James Harden added 17 points and 10 assists. However, the team struggled from long range, hitting just 9 of 42 three-pointers, compared to Chicago’s 15 made triples.
The Clippers narrowed the gap to 101-92 on a three-point play by Derrick Jones Jr. late in the fourth quarter. However, the Bulls closed the game on an 11-7 run to seal the victory.
LaVine tied Bulls legend Bob Love for the second-most 30-point games in franchise history with 109. Chicago also dominated the glass, outrebounding Los Angeles 54-40, including 14 offensive boards.
For the Clippers, Zubac’s absence was felt on the boards, and Leonard’s scoring void proved too large to overcome. Mo Bamba stepped into the starting center role, recording 10 points and seven rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to offset the team’s cold shooting night.
Chicago’s defensive effort limited the Clippers to 39.4% shooting from the field. The Bulls capitalized on their second-chance opportunities and bench contributions, with Horton-Tucker’s efficient outing standing out.
