Nikola Vucevic scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to help the Chicago Bulls edge the Washington Wizards 121-120 on Saturday at the United Center. Josh Giddey added a triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists as Chicago improved to 9-7.
Coby White contributed 20 points, and Matas Buzelis added 13 as the Bulls overcame a late deficit, putting together a 10-0 run midway through the fourth quarter. Tre Jones sank two free throws with 34.2 seconds left to give Chicago the lead for good.
Washington, now 1-15, trailed for most of the night despite strong performances from Cam Whitmore and Corey Kispert, who each scored 20 points. CJ McCollum added 18 points, and Kyshawn George contributed 17. An errant inbound pass by George with 5.5 seconds left sealed the Wizards’ fate.
The Wizards held a 70-64 lead at halftime following a 14-0 run midway through the second quarter, marking their ninth straight loss. The streak is two shy of the longest in franchise history over 65 seasons. Chicago countered with a 28-22 third quarter to regain control.
Chicago shot 42% from the field and 27% from three, while Washington finished at 46% and 44% from deep. Vucevic made 12 of 20 shots, and Giddey’s efficient distribution helped the Bulls capitalize on Washington’s mistakes.
The Bulls will travel to New Orleans on Monday, while the Wizards host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
