The Chicago Bulls leaned on a solid bench showing and stellar shooting to end the Denver Nuggets' seven-game winning streak, while also snapping their own five-game slide in the process.
Josh Giddey delivered an all-around performance with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists as the Chicago Bulls survived late Denver Nuggets rally, 130-127, snapping a five-game losing streak on Tuesday, November 18 (PH time).
Ayo Dosunmu poured in 21 of the Bulls’ 65 bench points, while Jalen Smith and Jevon Carter combined for 31 markers and eight triples.
After Nikola Jokic’s three-pointer put Denver ahead 120-118, the Bulls quickly responded with a Kevin Huerter three and a Dosunmu basket to take a 123-120 lead with 1:04 remaining.
Nikola Vucevic then hit a clutch three to make it 126-122, only for Jokic to cut the deficit to 126-124 with a layup with 20 seconds left.
Chicago iced the game with four straight free throws from Dosunmu and Huerter, as Jokic’s potential game-winning three just fell short.
The Bulls also knocked down 19 triples, handing Denver its first home loss of the season and improving their record to 7-6.
Jokic finished with 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists for his league-leading eighth triple-double of the season, while Jamal Murray scored Denver’s first 13 points of the fourth and totaled 34 points.
Despite their efforts, the Nuggets fell to 10-3, remaining in second place in the Western Conference.
Denver hits the road to face the struggling Pelicans (2-12), while Chicago closes out its four-game road swing in Portland against the Trail Blazers (6-7).
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.