NBA: LaVine, Bulls never trail in win over Grizzlies

Zach LaVine scored 25 points on 7-for-13 shooting, and the Chicago Bulls never trailed during a 106-99 win over the visiting Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

Wendell Carter Jr. scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for his 12th double-double of the season. Lauri Markkanen finished with 15 points, and Tomas Satoransky added 13 to go along with eight assists.

Jonas Valanciunas scored 32 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies. Jae Crowder and Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 15 points apiece as Memphis lost for the eighth time in its past nine games.

The Bulls won back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Memphis opened the fourth quarter on a 23-10 run to cut the deficit to 88-87 with 4:29 remaining. Crowder hit a 3-pointer from the right corner to draw the Grizzlies within a point and prompt a full timeout by the Bulls.

But Chicago responded with eight straight points to push the lead back to 96-87. LaVine hit a 3-pointer and a long jump shot, and Kris Dunn drained a 3-pointer to cap the run.

The Bulls led, 78-64, entering the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies cut the deficit to six points when Crowder made a 3-pointer with 6:07 remaining in the frame. But Chicago regained a comfortable lead by finishing the quarter on a 17-9 run, including a last-second putback layup by Daniel Gafford.

Memphis missed its first 16 3-point attempts before Jackson finally hit one with 7:31 to go in the third quarter.

Chicago led by as many as 22 points in the first half and entered the intermission ahead, 50-35.

LaVine provided a punctuation mark during a dominant first half when he caught a lob pass from Satoransky from the top of the key and threw down a dunk. Grayson Allen gave chase a step behind LaVine but could not stop the alley-oop play.

The Grizzlies fell behind, 27-20, at the end of the first quarter. Bulls guard Ryan Arcidiacono drained a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded at the end of the session.

The Bulls scored the first seven points of the game and led, 13-2, before Memphis regrouped.

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NBA: Harden scores 42 as Rockets wipe out Bulls

James Harden scored 42 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished nine assists, and the visiting Houston Rockets pulled away for a 117-94 win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.

Russell Westbrook added 26 points on 10-for-20 shooting for Houston, which won its third game in a row. Danuel House Jr. recorded a game-high six steals to go along with 11 points, and Clint Capela finished with 16 points and 20 rebounds.

Wendell Carter Jr. had was among four players with 13 points to lead the Bulls. He also had 16 rebounds. Chandler Hutchison scored 13 in his first start of the season in place of Otto Porter Jr., who has a sprained left foot.

Lauri Markkanen and Thaddeus Young also added 13 points each.

The Rockets outscored the Bulls, 36-18, in the third quarter to turn a one-point edge into a lopsided lead.

Chicago followed a victory with a loss for the third time this season. The Bulls have yet to win back-to-back games.

Houston opened the third quarter on a 12-2 run to set the tone for the rest of the way. Westbrook started the outburst with a jump shot and a free throw, and Harden added to the run by making a pair of free throws and a 3-pointer. Capela contributed a layup before Westbrook made another basket on an assist by House.

By the start of the fourth quarter, the Rockets led by 18. The lead ballooned past 20 points when Harden made a 3-pointer with 6:58 remaining.

Houston held on to a 50-49 lead at the half. The Rockets led by six points with 1:25 to go before intermission, but the Bulls closed the gap, thanks to five straight points from Zach LaVine on a slam dunk and a 3-pointer.

Chicago led by as many as nine early in the second quarter after a dunk by Young. Houston answered with a 24-7 run to pull ahead, 46-38, with 4:14 left in the first half.

The Bulls built a 27-20 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Houston improved to 3-2 on the road this season. Chicago dropped to 1-3 on its home court.

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NBA: LaVine scores 39, carries Bulls over 76ers

Zach LaVine's driving layup with 1.6 seconds left in the game lifted the Bulls to a 108-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday in Chicago.

Philadelphia had a chance to win after LaVine missed a free throw, but a lob into the paint intended for Jimmy Butler with was off the mark as the buzzer sounded.


Players walked off the floor but the officials convened and determined that Robin Lopez did not tip the ball and the clock erroneously started, giving Philadelphia a second chance.

Ben Simmons' inbound pass to Butler was fumbled and the Bulls finally earned the win to snap a two-game losing skid.

Butler made two free throws with 4.8 seconds left to give the 76ers a 107-106 lead. Chicago called timeout and LaVine drove the lane practically uncontested to score the winning basket after a defensive switch gone wrong. He was fouled by Mike Scott, but missed the free throw.

LaVine finished with 39 points on 14 of 26 from the field. He scored 24 of his points in the second half.

Robin Lopez recorded 19 points and nine rebounds. Otto Porter Jr. finished with 15 points and nine boards.

Butler scored 22 points to lead five Philadelphia players in double figures. Ben Simmons, the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, compiled 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

The Sixers were playing without Joel Embiid, who missed his seventh straight game because of knee soreness. He could return on Friday when Philadelphia faces the Rockets in Houston.

The Sixers led 86-82 heading into the fourth quarter and opened an eight-point lead on a 3-pointer from James Ennis III.

The Bulls fought back and tied the game on a 24-foot 3-pointer by Porter with 2:44 left. The Sixers maintained the lead until Lopez's free throw with 17.1 seconds left gave the Bulls a 106-105 lead.

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Celtics hand Bulls worst loss in franchise history

Daniel Theis scored a career-high 22 points and Boston opened the game with 17 consecutive points while rolling to an easy 133-77 victory over the host Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.

Jaylen Brown scored a team-best 23 points off the bench and Jayson Tatum made all four 3-point attempts while scoring 18 points as the Celtics won their season-best fifth straight contest. 

Terry Rozier added 15 points, Kyrie Irving and Semi Ojeleye each scored 13 and Marcus Morris tallied 12 for Boston.

Shaquille Harrison scored a career-best 20 points, Zach LaVine added 11 and Cameron Payne had 10 for the Bulls, who have lost eight of their last nine. The franchise-worst 56-point defeat occurred in Jim Boylen's third game as coach after replacing the fired Fred Hoiberg.

Boston was 22 of 43 from 3-point range as Brown, Ojeleye and Rozier each knocked down three. The Celtics shot 53.8 percent overall.

Theis collected a season-best 10 rebounds to help Boston record a 54-37 rebounding edge. He had an increased role with Al Horford scratched due to a knee injury.

The Bulls shot 38.3 percent and were 6 of 24 from 3-point range.

Chicago missed its first 11 field-goal attempts while the Celtics were scoring the first 17 points. Morris' dunk with 6:12 left capped the burst for Boston.

Jabari Parker's two free throws with 5:42 to play were the Bulls' first points and Robin Lopez's basket 36 seconds later was the team's first field goal.

The Celtics held a 20-point lead on Gordon Hayward's 3-point with 33.1 seconds left before settling for a 35-17 advantage.

Boston led 43-21 early in the second quarter after Rozier drained a 3-pointer with 9:47 left in the half. LaVine's 3-point play moved Chicago within 48-33 with 6:17 to play but Marcus Smart knocked down a 3-pointer with nine seconds left to give the Celtics a 64-43 halftime lead.

The assault continued in the third quarter as Boston pushed the lead over 30 for the time when Irving buried a 3-pointer to make it 83-51 with 5:41 left. The margin was 34 two-plus minutes later on Brown's basket and the Celtics closed the quarter with a 93-60 lead.

The lead topped 40 for the first time when Brown drained a 3-pointer to make it 109-67 with 8:19 remaining.

Brown also did the honors to push the lead over 50 when he connected on a 3-pointer to make it 125-73 with 3:12 to play.

Boston's biggest lead was 58 points.

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Spurs hand depleted Bulls another loss

DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 -- including five in a key late-game stretch -- as the visiting San Antonio Spurs came back to beat the short-handed Chicago Bulls 108-107 on Monday.

Chicago led 101-98 with 5:58 to play before the Spurs leapfrogged to the front via a 10-0 run, with Aldridge accounting for half the points. Chicago pulled within 108-107 on back-to-back 3-pointers by Ryan Arcidiacono but Zach LaVine missed a 3-pointer with four seconds to play.

After a foul and a steal in a last-gasp scramble, Arcidiacono had a chance to win the game with a shot at the buzzer, but it was off the rim short.

The win was just the Spurs' third in their last nine games, but second in the first three games of a four-game road trip that concludes Wednesday in Minnesota.

Patty Mills added 17 points off the bench for San Antonio while Bryn Forbes and Jakob Poeltl scored 13 and 10 points, respectively, for the Spurs.

LaVine led all scorers with 28 points, with Arcidiacono adding 22. Jabari Parker had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Justin Holiday tallied 17 points. Depleted by injuries to three starters, Chicago has dropped three straight and seven of its last eight.

The first half went back and forth with nine ties and nine lead changes over the first 24 minutes.

All 10 of the players who saw court time in the first half for the Spurs scored at least two points, led by Forbes' nine and eight each from DeRozan and Rudy Gay. 

San Antonio's bench players outscored the Bulls' reserves 18-4 in the half, and the Spurs ruled the paint with a 26-10 edge.

Still, the Spurs led only 52-50 at intermission as Chicago got 14 points from Holiday and 11 from LaVine in the first half.

Holiday's 3-pointer with 9:12 to play in the third quarter gave the Bulls a 59-56 advantage and started a 9-2 run to give them the upper hand, at least for a while.

The Bulls stretched the margin to a game-high eight points, at 79-71, on a hook shot by Robin Lopez with 2:40 to play in the quarter, but the Spurs closed the quarter with a 9-4 flurry that brought them within 83-80 heading to the final period.

Chicago returns to the court on Wednesday in Milwaukee.

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LaVine, Bulls hold off Booker, Suns

Zach LaVine scored 29 points on 10-for-20 shooting, and the Chicago Bulls held on for a 124-116 win over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Jabari Parker added 20 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for Chicago (5-13), which snapped a four-game losing streak. Ryan Arcidiacono (14 points), Antonio Blakeney (14), Wendell Carter Jr. (14) and Justin Holiday (11) also scored in double digits for the Bulls.

Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points and six assists, and center Deandre Ayton recorded his 10th double-double in 17 games since he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick this summer, finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds, plus five assists. Phoenix (3-14) lost its third straight game and dropped to 0-8 on the road.

The Bulls closed out the game with a layup by Carter Jr. and a pair of free throws by LaVine in the final minute.

Phoenix climbed within three points of the lead in the final five minutes, but LaVine scored six straight points as the Bulls regained a more comfortable 117-108 lead with 3:29 to play.

Chicago entered the fourth quarter hanging on to a 94-93 edge.

The Bulls trailed by nine points early in the third quarter before going on a 21-6 run to go ahead 91-85. Forward Cristiano Felicio punctuated the outburst with a driving layup to give Chicago its biggest lead of the night to that point.

Booker and Ayton scored 14 points apiece in the first half to help Phoenix establish a 69-64 advantage at the break. Both teams shot better than 56 percent in the first half and combined to make all 19 shots from the free-throw line.

Phoenix shot 49 percent (48 of 98) for the game. Chicago shot 56.8 percent (46 of 81).

Phoenix led 28-25 at the end of the first quarter. Bulls guard Cameron Payne beat the buzzer as he sprinted past the half-court line and sank a 3-pointer as time expired.

Suns forward TJ Warren scored at least 20 points for the seventh game in a row, extending his career high. The North Carolina State product scored 21 and made his 28th and 29th 3-pointers of the season, eclipsing his career high after 16 games.

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Last-second blocked shot helps Bulls over Cavs

Zach LaVine scored 24 points and Wendell Carter Jr. added 15 as the Chicago Bulls got off to a quick start and held on for a 99-98 victory Saturday over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland had one last possession to go out in front but Collin Sexton missed a short shot inside, got his own rebound and had his shot at the buzzer blocked by Jabari Parker.

Ryan Arcidiacono had 15 points as the Bulls grabbed a much-needed victory after losing five of their previous six games. The Bulls jumped out to a 37-23 lead after one quarter and built a 16-point lead in the second quarter before the Cavaliers worked their way back into the game.

The Cavaliers led briefly late in the second quarter and took a six-point lead in the third quarter, before the Bulls regained the lead again escaped with the win.

Tristan Thompson had 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavaliers, while Sexton and Rodney Hood each scored 20. The Cavaliers lost their fifth consecutive game and have the worst record in the NBA at 1-11.

Jordan Clarkson had 15 points for the Cavaliers, while Larry Nance Jr. had a game-high 14 rebounds for Cleveland, but was just 1-of-8 from the field and 0-of-2 from 3-point range. The Cavs lost despite a 53-38 rebounding advantage.

Arcidiacono, who was making his first career start, scored 10 of his 15 points in the first quarter. The second-year player out of Villanova went 3-of-4 from 3-point range and is now 19-of-36 (52.7 percent) on 3-pointers for the season.

Arcidiacono got the start over Cameron Payne, who had started 11 of the Bulls' first 12 games but had shot just 29.3 percent from the field over the past five games.

LaVine scored 11 points in the opening quarter as the Bulls shot 64 percent from the field (16-for-25) in the opening 12 minutes. LaVine also led the Bulls in rebounds (eight) and assists (five). Parker scored 13 points.

Both rosters were depleted by injuries. The Bulls were missing Bobby Portis (knee), Kris Dunn (knee), Lauri Markkanen (elbow) and Denzel Valentine (ankle). The Cavs were without Kevin Love (toe), Sam Dekker (ankle), George Hill (shoulder) and Cedi Osman (back).

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Federer, Zverev lead the way as Team Europe retain Laver Cup

Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev won clutch singles matches as Team Europe beat Team World 13-8 to retain the Laver Cup on the third and final day of action in the international tournament in Chicago on Sunday.

Federer's hardfought 6-7(5) 7-6(8) 10-7 victory over American John Isner put the Europeans just three points from their victory target and Zverev got them there with a 6-7(3) 7-5 10-7 win over Kevin Anderson.

German Zverev needed to be at his sharpest to get past the South African stalwart but won the final five points of the third set tie-break to ensure Europe would keep the trophy they won at the inaugural event in Prague last year.

"It was such a close match all around, not only this one but all weekend, a few points here and there and it could have been different," said Zverev. "I'm just happy to get the win and we defended the title, that's the most important thing."

It was fitting that 21-year-old Zverev punctuated the triumph for Europe by conquering Anderson, one of the most formidable players of the tournament.

Anderson had teamed up with American Jack Sock to knock off Federer and Novak Djokovic in doubles on day one, then defeated Djokovic in a singles contest on Saturday.

On Sunday, John McEnroe's Team World had taken their first lead of the tournament at 8-7 after the opening doubles when Sock and Isner slipped past Federer and Zverev 4-6 7-6(2) 11-9.

Federer needed to save three match points to disarm Isner's big serve and take the day's opening singles contest, which like all of Sunday's matches was worth three points.

The World Team needed to win one of the first two singles matches to take the tournament down to the final singles clash between Djokovic and Australian Nick Kyrgios but Zverev's victory ensured it was not required.

Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin and Kyle Edmund were the other members of the triumphant team led by Swedish great Bjorn Borg.

"It’s been an unbelievable week," said Borg. "I’m very proud of my team, we knew it’s going to be very difficult to beat Team World with John as the captain. He has a great team, they’re very professional."

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles, editing by Nick Mulvenney)

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Federer, Zverev put Europe on top at Laver Cup

CHICAGO -- Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev powered Europe into a commanding 7-1 lead over the World team at the Laver Cup here Saturday, winning their respective singles matches in contrasting fashion.

World number two Federer was barely ruffled as he cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Nick Kyrgios at Chicago's United Center.

Earlier, Zverev saved a match point to defeat John Isner in day two's opening singles rubber.

Zverev, 21, dug deep to hold off the big-serving Isner to win 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 10-7.

Under the format being used for the tournament, a 10-point tiebreak is used instead of a decisive third set.

READ: Isner a new pop while playing at the Laver Cup
After dominating Friday's opening day, winning three out of the four matches, Europe's progress looked to be checked after Isner grabbed the first set against Zverev.

But rising German star Zverev showed great determination in saving a match point at 6-5 down in the second-set tie-break to level the contest.

Zverev then raced into the lead in the 10-point match tie-break before closing out for the win.

Under the scoring system for the Laver Cup, victories on day two are worth two points each, with victories on day three rising to three points.

Europe needs only 13 points to take the title, which is being held for the second time.

In later matches on Saturday, Novak Djokovic faces Kevin Anderson, while Europe doubles pairing Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin complete the schedule against the World team's Jack Sock and Kyrgios.

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LeBron's 70th career triple-double leads Cavs past Bulls

LeBron James notched his 70th career triple-double with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers held off a second-half rally by the host Chicago Bulls for a 114-109 victory on Saturday night at United Center.

James, who has 15 triple-doubles this season, became the sixth player in NBA history to reach 70 for his career, joining Oscar Robertson (181), Magic Johnson (138), Jason Kidd (107), Russell Westbrook (101) and Wilt Chamberlain (78).


Jeff Green added 21 points and Jordan Clarkson had 19 for Cleveland, which won for the second time in three games and finished its six-game road trip at .500. Ante Zizic added 14 points for the Cavaliers, who shot an efficient 50.6 percent (44 of 87) from the field.

Denzel Valentine scored a career-high 34 points on a personal-best 8-of-11 shooting from 3-point range to lead Chicago. Bobby Portis had 15 points and 15 rebounds, Cameron Payne scored 13 and Paul Zipser chipped in 11 as the Bulls dropped to 4-4 in March.

Chicago center Cristiano Felicio finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue was not on the bench to start the second half due to an illness. Larry Drew ran the team in his absence.

Cleveland led 69-52 at halftime before allowing Chicago to creep back in the second half.

After trailing 85-81 entering the fourth quarter, the Bulls had the score knotted up after Valentine's 3-pointer with 4:13 remaining tied it at 99.

The Cavs scored six straight points courtesy of James and Green before a pair of threes from Zipser and Payne had the scored locked up again at 105 with 1:41 on the clock.

Clarkson knocked down a 3-pointer and was fouled with 1:27 left, and his free throw completed a pivotal four-point play. James' pullup jumper with 39 seconds left stretched the Cavs' lead back up to six.

Two George Hill free throws made it 113-107 with 25.5 seconds left before Valentine countered with a layup with 13.2 left. Hill knocked down one of two free throws with 11.8 ticks to play to help Cleveland seal the win.

Cleveland opens a three-game homestand Monday against Milwaukee. Chicago heads to New York on Monday.

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NBA: Bulls send Grizzlies to 15th straight loss

Lauri Markkanen scored 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting, and the Chicago Bulls held on for a 119-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at the United Center.

Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn each added 21 points for the Bulls, who won for the second time in the past three games. Bobby Portis posted his ninth double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Dillon Brooks scored 29 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter, as the Grizzlies nearly rallied from a 21-point deficit. Memphis lost its 15th game in a row, which is the longest losing streak in the NBA this season.

Dunn and LaVine combined for a half-dozen free throws in the final minute to secure the win. 

Memphis opened the fourth quarter on an 18-4 run to cut the deficit to 94-93 and stayed within single digits the rest of the way, but could never take the lead.

The Bulls led, 90-75, entering the fourth quarter. A 16-5 run increased the lead to 21 points midway through the third.

Chicago built a 64-51 lead at the half. Markkanen led the Bulls with 11 points at the break, and LaVine had 10. JaMychal Green kept the Grizzlies in contention with 11 points on 5-for-5 shooting to go along with eight rebounds.

Bulls guard Justin Holiday returned to the starting lineup one day after a report surfaced that the NBA had reprimanded the team for resting healthy veterans as it aims for a top pick in the draft. Holiday, who had watched in street clothes in four of the past five games, finished with 14 points on 5-for-5 shooting in 17 minutes.

Bulls center Robin Lopez remained inactive for the sixth game in a row, but he is expected to return this weekend. Like Holiday, Lopez is healthy and is averaging in double digits with 12.3 points per game.

Forwards Jarell Martin (right knee) and Chandler Parsons (personal reasons) did not suit up for the Grizzlies. Parsons reportedly was given permission to attend the funeral of former agent Dan Fegan, who died in a car crash last week near his vacation home in Aspen, Colorado.

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NBA: Simmons scores 32 to pace 76ers past Bulls

Ben Simmons hit a pair of free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining, and he finished with 32 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds to send the visiting Philadelphia 76ers past the Chicago Bulls 116-115 on Thursday night at United Center.

The point total was a career high for Simmons, helping Philadelphia extend its winning streak to a season-best six games.

Chicago led by one after a pair of JJ Redick free throws with eight seconds left, but Philadelphia's Joel Embiid (30 points, 13 rebounds) came up with a steal and the Bulls' Denzel Valentine committed a foul on Simmons.

After Simmons' foul shots, Chicago's Bobby Portis missed a potential game-winning jumper with 0.1 ticks remaining.

Portis had a career-high 38 points and eight boards, making 15 of 26 shots -- including 6 of 9 3-point attempts -- to eclipse his previous high of 27 points set Dec. 15 at Milwaukee. Zach LaVine scored 23 points, and David Nwaba added 21 points and nine boards for the Bulls.

Chicago lost for the fifth time in seven games.

Simmons also recorded a first-half block, joining Michael Jordan and Ron Harper as only the third player since the 1963-64 season to record 100 steals and 50 blocks through their first 55 games.

Portis extended his career-best streak of games with double-digit scoring to seven.

The Bulls led 69-67 at halftime after falling into an early 18-point hole before rallying to post a season high for first-half points.

The 76ers led 93-91 after three quarters and were up 104-103 after an Amir Johnson free throw with 7:52 to play, but Chicago used a 12-6 run to go up 115-110 heading into the final minute.

Bulls center Robin Lopez, who had started the first 57 games of the season, was inactive for the contest. Justin Holliday was also inactive for Chicago as coach Fred Hoiberg reshuffled the lineup, with Nwaba and Cristiano Felicio (five points) starting.

"I want to be playing, obviously, but we have a great group of guys," Lopez told reporters prior to tip-off. "Our squad has a great future, and I can be a part of that future."

The 76ers won two of their three games against the Bulls this season.

Chicago plays at Minnesota on Saturday. Philadelphia hosts Orlando on Saturday.

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Bulls hang on against Magic for 105-101 win

Zach LaVine scored the go-ahead basket with 12.4 seconds to go, and the Chicago Bulls avoided a fourth-quarter collapse with a 105-101 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday night at the United Center.

The score was tied at 101 when LaVine stole an inbounds pass from Jonathon Simmons and raced across halfcourt for a breakaway dunk. Magic guard Mario Hezonja missed a deep 3-point attempt on the next possession, and LaVine made a pair of free throws to seal the outcome.

Chicago led by 18 points with 8:23 remaining in the fourth quarter before Orlando stormed back with a 23-3 run to grab a 98-96 lead with 3:11 to go. Hezonja, who sparked the comeback bid with 14 points in the fourth quarter, finished with 24 points to lead the Magic.

Rookie forward Lauri Markkanen scored 21 points on 9-for-19 shooting to lead the Bulls. LaVine finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Forward Bobby Portis contributed 19 points off the bench.

Chicago earned its second win in the past three games. The Bulls improved to 13-15 on their home court, compared with 7-21 on the road.

Magic forward Evan Fournier finished with 22 points on 9-for-16 shooting. Fournier has scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games and 21 times overall this season.

Simmons added 14 points for Orlando, which has lost back-to-back games after winning the previous three.

Chicago opened up a 93-75 lead after Denzel Valentine sank a pair of free throws. Orlando stormed back behind the hot hand of Hezonja, who hit a jump shot and a pair of 3-pointers to give the Magic the lead.

The Bulls established a 53-51 advantage at the break. Markkanen led the team with 13 points in the first half.

Bulls guard Kris Dunn missed his 11th game in a row as he continues to recover from concussion-like symptoms. Dunn has returned to practice and could be available Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors.

The Magic played without Aaron Gordon (hip), Nikola Vucevic (hand), Jonathan Isaac (ankle) and Terrence Ross (knee). Gordon recently withdrew from the NBA's upcoming slam dunk contest because of his injury.

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NBA: LaVine steals show from Butler as Bulls edge Wolves

Zach LaVine scored 35 points against his former team, including three free throws with 18.4 seconds left, and the Chicago Bulls rallied for a 114-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at the United Center.

Robin Lopez added 19 points on 8-for-11 shooting as the Bulls snapped a seven-game losing streak. Jerian Grant recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists.


The game marked the teams' first meeting since a draft day trade that shipped Jimmy Butler to Minnesota for LaVine, Kris Dunn and a first-round pick (No. 7 overall) that the Bulls used to select Lauri Markkanen. Chicago sent back its first-round pick (No. 16 overall), which Minnesota used to select center Justin Patton.

LaVine and Butler traded big baskets down the stretch to set up a dramatic finish. Butler missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer that would have given the Timberwolves the victory.

Butler scored a game-high 38 points against his former team. Karl-Anthony Towns posted his 49th double-double in 58 games with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Minnesota lost its second game in a row.

Chicago trailed by five points with 1:20 to go but pulled within 111-108 on a dunk by LaVine with 1:11 remaining. Twenty seconds later, LaVine evened the score at 111 with a 3-pointer from the right wing.

Butler split a pair of defenders for a layup to put Minnesota on top 113-111 with 21.5 seconds left. On the opposite end of the court, referees ruled that Butler fouled LaVine on a 3-point attempt. LaVine sank all three free throws to put Chicago on top 114-113.

The Bulls erased a 17-point deficit early in the second half to grab an 89-86 lead entering the fourth quarter. Denzel Valentine capped the 33-13 run to close the third quarter with a basket at the buzzer.

Minnesota established a 67-56 lead at halftime. Butler hit a long-range 3-pointer with 1.3 seconds to go before the break to give the Timberwolves their largest lead of the first half.

The Bulls paid tribute to Butler and Taj Gibson with a video on the scoreboard during a stoppage in play in the first quarter. Fans roared for both players, who stood to acknowledge the ovation.

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NBA: Lakers beat Bulls for 4th straight win without Ball

The Los Angeles Lakers have figured out how to win without Lonzo Ball.

The Lakers used a series of late runs to down the Chicago Bulls, 108-103, at the United Center on Friday night, their fourth straight victory without their star rookie. Brandon Ingram scored 25 points for Los Angeles, which has been without Ball for its last six games since he sprained his left knee on Jan. 13.

Despite Ball's absence, the Lakers were able to overcome a hot 3-point shooting Bulls squad that rallied from two double-digit deficits. Chicago used the hot hand from outside to go on a 16-1 run in the fourth quarter as Nikola Mirotic and Denzel Valentine each hit a pair of triples to put their team ahead 92-90. Mirotic, who scored 18 points, and Valentine, who had 16, each made four 3-pointers. The Bulls made 17 of 36 from behind the arc.

But Julius Randle's three-point play with 2:03 left put the Lakers ahead for good. Ingram added four straight points as Los Angeles took a 103-97 lead and Jordan Clarkson made four straight free throws in the final 21 seconds to hold off Chicago. Clarkson scored 19 points off the bench for the Lakers, who are 4-8 this season without Ball.

Ball practiced on Thursday for the first time since he sustained his injury and will travel with the team throughout a five-game road trip it opened on Friday. But Lakers coach Luke Walton said Ball remains limited in practice and the team will be cautious with its young star.

Los Angeles looked as if it may pull away for good when it used an 11-0 run late in the third quarter to take a 79-68 lead. But Mirotic, Valentine, Bobby Portis and the bench helped Chicago rally. Portis had 16 points and the Bulls finished with a 60-41 edge in bench scoring.

Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen both struggled from the field in the loss. The pair combined to make 6 of 27 tries. Markkanen had 11 points and LaVine finished with 10 for Chicago, which shot 35 percent in the first quarter and trailed 32-25.

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NBA: McCollum scores 32, seals Blazers' OT win vs. Bulls

CJ McCollum scored 32 points and handed out eight assists as the Portland Trail Blazers notched a 124-120 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night at the United Center.

McCollum drained a layup and a pair of free throws in the final minute of overtime to break a tie at 120. Al-Farouq Aminu added 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting for the Trail Blazers, and Jusuf Nurkic contributed a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.

Portland (19-17) won its third consecutive game in Chicago and improved to 11-7 on the road this season.

  
Kris Dunn led the Bulls with 22 points on 9-of-20 shooting. Lauri Markkanen added 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, and Nikola Mirotic posted his third double-double in 14 games with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Chicago (13-24) lost at home for the first time in eight games.

McCollum put Portland on top for good when he attacked the paint and calmly made a 3-foot layup with 56.5 seconds left in overtime. Dunn missed a jump shot on the next possession and Nurkic grabbed the rebound. After another missed jump shot by Dunn with eight seconds left, McCollum sealed the outcome at the free-throw line.

The score was even at 112 at the end of regulation. McCollum hit a driving layup with 57.3 seconds remaining to tie the game and had a chance to win it with a pull-up jump shot from the right elbow, but the ball caromed off the rim to bring on overtime.

The Bulls opened the fourth quarter with an 87-83 lead. A deep 3-pointer by Shabazz Napier in the closing seconds of the third quarter trimmed Portland's deficit from seven points to four.

The Trail Blazers jumped to a 31-23 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Bulls responded by outscoring Portland 30-21 in the second quarter to grab a 53-52 halftime edge.

Portland played without star point guard Damian Lillard, who missed his fifth game in a row because of a right hamstring strain. The two-time All-Star leads the team with 25.2 points per game. His status is uncertain for Tuesday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

NBA: 12 in a row as LeBron, Cavs gore Bulls

CHICAGO -- Kevin Love and LeBron James provided the firepower as the Cleveland Cavaliers notched their 12th straight win with a 113-91 blowout over the Chicago Bulls on Monday.

Love had 24 points and 13 rebounds while James weighed in with 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists as the Cavs improved to 17-7.

Cleveland can equal their franchise record for consecutive victories if they beat Sacramento at home on Wednesday.

The Cavs also benefited from 24 points from Dwyane Wade while Jeff Green finished with 14.

   
Chicago, however, were left reflecting on a ninth straight loss which has seen them slip to 3-19.

Kris Dunn was their top-scorer with 15 points on a night when the home team got little change from the visiting Cavaliers.

Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday both scored 14 points for the Bulls, with Lauri Markkanen adding 13.

Holiday sank a buzzer-beater to reduce the Cavaliers lead to 86-71 heading into the final quarter, but Cleveland upped the scoring pace to cruise home.

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Westbrook's Thunder roll over Bulls

LOS ANGELES -- Russell Westbrook fell one rebound shy of his 18th triple-double of the season, but his 21 points were plenty in the Oklahoma City Thunder's 109-94 NBA victory over the Bulls in Chicago.

NBA scoring leader Westbrook maintained his sizzling form, adding 14 assists and nine rebounds in the win.

It's the fourth time this season he has finished one point, one rebound or one assist shy of a triple-double.

The anticipated clash between Westbrook and red-hot Bulls forward Jimmy Butler didn't materialize, with Butler hampered by the illness that prevented him from attending Chicago's morning shoot-around.

Butler, who was named the NBA's Eastern Conference Player of the Week earlier Monday, played just under 29 minutes and finished with just one point.

He went 0-for-6 from the field and was taken out of the game in the second half because of the illness.

Veteran Dwyane Wade scored 22 points, Michael Carter-Williams added 15 and Jerian Grant and Cristiano Felicio contributed 11 points apiece for the Bulls.

But it wasn't enough to keep pace with the Thunder, who had three players besides Westbrook score in double figures.

Center Steven Adams of New Zealand scored 22 points, big man Enes Kanter of Turkey added 20 and Victor Oladipo contributed 13.

Oklahoma City led most of the first half, building a 17-point margin in the second quarter and taking a 61-46 lead into the locker room at halftime.

A three-point play by Taj Gibson with 6:51 left in the third pulled the Bulls within 67-57, but Chicago would get no closer.

- Rose no-show -

 New Orleans forward Anthony Davis produced another big game in New York, his 40 points leading the Pelicans to a 110-96 victory over the Knicks.

Davis also pulled down 18 rebounds and blocked three shots, but the buzz at Madison Square Garden centered on the player who wasn't there -- Knicks guard Derrick Rose.

Rose was a late, unexplained scratch, and his absence apparently took the Knicks by surprise. New York coach Jeff Hornacek could do little to clarify the situation after the game.

"Right now we don't have enough information to really give you anything," Hornacek said. "So that's just going to have to wait until we hear something from Derrick himself."

The rest of the Knicks didn't really step up in Rose's absence. Star forward Carmelo Anthony was ejected for arguing about the officiating late in the third quarter, shortly before reserve Kyle O'Quinn was thrown out for a hard foul from behind on Davis that sent the Pelicans star flying into some courtside seats.

Davis left the contest, having posted his 25th double-double of the season. His five 40-point games this season are second-most behind Westbrook.

He and coach Alvin Gentry were hoping the hip injury he suffered won't prove to be serious.

"The X-rays were negative," Gentry said. "So, obviously it's going to be sore, but we'll know more tomorrow."

Davis, who said he hit a chair, said he'd have treatment and hoped to be ready for Thursday's game against the Nets in Brooklyn.

In Minneapolis, Karl-Anthony Towns poured in 34 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in the Timberwolves 101-92 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Andrew Wiggins scored 13 points and Ricky Rubio added 13 and 15 assists for the Timberwolves, who snapped a four-game losing streak in a battle of Western Conference stragglers.

bb/mdl

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Bulls rally to beat Raptors behind Butler's 42 points

CHICAGO -- Chicago forward Jimmy Butler scored 42 points as the Bulls rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 123-118 in overtime on Saturday.

Dwyane Wade scored 20 points for the Bulls, who notched their 10th victory on the trot against the Raptors, who are second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Doug McDermott scored 17 points off the bench for Chicago, which also got 12 from Nikola Mirotic. Jerian Grant's two free throws with 10.6 seconds remaining in the extra session finished off the win.


DeMar DeRozan scored 36 points for the Raptors. Kyle Lowry added 27 points and 12 assists and Jonas Valanciunas and Cory Joseph added 14 apiece.

After Chicago used a 17-2 scoring run in the fourth quarter to erase a double-digit deficit, McDermott came up big in overtime.

He hit three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt and gave the Bulls a 116-111 lead with 2:16 remaining in overtime with a driving dunk off a Butler assist.

Each team had a chance to win at the end of regulation. With the game tied at 107, Wade missed a running shot in the lane before Toronto moved quickly up court.

But DeRozan missed a seven-foot jumper and Lowry couldn't get his rebound attempt to fall as the buzzer sounded.

A pair of DeRozan free throws had tied the game at 107-107 with 31 seconds left after the Bulls had taken 107-105 lead with a McDermott three-pointer.

Before the Bulls' fourth-quarter surge, the Raptors had appeared to be in firm control. Up by 13 at halftime, they half, and they were up by 19 with less than four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Chicago's third straight win, after impressive victories over the Charlotte Hornets and the Cavaliers, saw them creep above .500 at 19-18.

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Jimmy Butler latest to pass 50-points

Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler became the latest player to record a 50-point performance on Monday as the NBA appears headed for a record-breaking season.

Butler scored 52 points as the Bulls beat the Charlotte Hornets 118-111 and became the eighth player this season to achieve more than 50-points in a game, tying the single season record.

Houston's James Harden scored 53 points two days ago, while Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, Boston's Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins, Washington's John Wall, New Orleans' Anthony Davis and Golden State's Klay Thompson have all also achieved what was once a rare feat.


Thompson scored 60 points in just 29 minutes, further showcasing the league's increasing dependency on three-point shooting and the evolution of individual skill.

NBA scoring leader Westbrook is also threatening to become just the second player to average a triple-double for an entire season.

Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson averaged a triple-double in the 1961-62 season while playing for the Cincinnati Royals.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)

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