Coby White scored 25 points as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Toronto Raptors 122-106 on Friday night. The victory ended Toronto’s season-best five-game winning streak.
Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 12 rebounds, helping Chicago improve to 21-28. Jalen Smith scored a season-high 17 points, while Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis combined for 27.
Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while RJ Barrett had 19 points. Immanuel Quickley, returning from an eight-game absence, finished with 14.
Toronto, now 15-33, struggled in the second half. The Bulls outscored the Raptors 33-24 in the third quarter to take control.
Barrett’s layup gave the Raptors a 64-63 lead with 7:17 left in the third. However, Buzelis scored seven points during an 18-8 Chicago run, putting the Bulls ahead for good.
The Bulls dominated the bench battle, outscoring Toronto’s reserves 50-32. Chicago also shot 50.6% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc.
Zach LaVine missed his second straight game for personal reasons. The Bulls lost in Boston without him but had no trouble securing a win in Toronto.
Despite winning eight of their last 15 games, the Raptors could not keep pace after halftime. They were outscored 67-56 in the final two quarters.
Vucevic’s presence in the paint helped Chicago outrebound Toronto 52-44. His six free throws and strong interior play kept the Raptors from gaining momentum.
Ayo Dosunmu contributed eight assists, running the offense alongside White and Giddey. The trio combined for 20 of the Bulls’ 34 total assists.
Buzelis, the rookie forward, showed his versatility with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in 26 minutes. His defensive impact helped slow down Toronto’s offense.
Patrick Williams chipped in with 11 points and nine rebounds off the bench. His three-point shooting stretched the Raptors’ defense, creating space for White and Vucevic.
Toronto finished with just 10 made three-pointers on 33.3% shooting from deep. The Bulls’ perimeter defense limited their clean looks.
Jakob Poeltl added eight points, nine rebounds, and six assists for the Raptors. However, his impact was limited as Chicago controlled the paint.
