Nikola Vucevic delivered when it mattered most, guiding the Chucago Bulls past the Utah Jazz in a cardiac finish and spoiling Brice Sensabaugh’s career game.
Nikola Vucevic came through when the Bulls needed it most.
Vucevic sank the game-winning basket with just four seconds left, helping the Bulls survived Brice Sensabaugh’s career night and the Utah Jazz, 128-126, on Thursday, January 15 (PH time).
Chicago seemed in control, leading 116-104 with five minutes remaining, but Utah stormed back, tying the game at 124 on two clutch free throws from Kewyonte George with under a minute to play.
With the score locked at 126, Colby White’s potential go-ahead three-pointer clanged off the rim.
But Isaac Okoro’s hustle on the loose ball led to Tre Jones, who found a wide-open Vucevic in the dying moments to deliver the dramatic dagger.
Utah’s last-second attempt by George fell short, leaving the Bulls to celebrate a pulsating victory.
Vucevic finished with 35 points, while Ayo Dosunmu contributed 15 of the Bulls’ 61 bench points in a game full of twists.
Chicago now turns their attention to a road matchup against the Brooklyn Nets (11-27).
For Utah, Sensabaugh put on a show, dropping 43 points—21 of which came in the opening frame—the most by an NBA reserve in a first quarter since 1996-97.
His point total also landed second just behind former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson's 45 in 2022 for the most points off the bench in franchise history in a single game.
George added 25 points, but Utah fell to 15-25 and looks to bounce back against the Dallas Mavericks (15-25).
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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.