The Chicago Bulls enter the play-in tournament with confidence after routing the Philadelphia 76ers 122-102 in Sunday’s regular season finale. Kevin Huerter led the charge with 18 points, including five three-pointers, as Chicago (39-43) closed its season with three straight wins.
Chicago’s third-quarter explosion proved decisive, outscoring Philadelphia 37-19 to turn a halftime deficit into a comfortable lead. The Bulls’ balanced attack featured six players in double figures, including 17 points from Talen Horton-Tucker and 15 from Patrick Williams.
Lonnie Walker IV’s 31-point outburst provided the lone bright spot for the 76ers (24-58), who finished their disastrous season on a 5-31 skid. Philadelphia’s three All-Stars – Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey – combined to play just 119 games this season due to injuries.
The Bulls dominated statistically, shooting 45.6% from the field while holding Philadelphia to 38.3%. Chicago’s bench outscored Philadelphia’s reserves 58-17, showcasing their depth ahead of the postseason.
For Philadelphia, the loss caps perhaps their most disappointing season in franchise history despite preseason championship expectations. The 76ers’ 24 wins mark their fewest in a full season since 2015-16.
Chicago now shifts focus to Wednesday’s win-or-go-home play-in game in Miami. The Bulls hope to advance and earn a first-round matchup with top-seeded Cleveland.
