After three straight losses, the Toronto Raptors stopped their negative skid this Monday night. The NBA champions defeated the Chicago Bulls, 93-92, but after a very tough match, which wouldn’t end unfair even if the hosts from the Wind City snatched a victory.
They even had a chance to do so, but Zach Lavine’s attempt in the final moments of the event didn’t go in. Toronto’s win was very important, as they needed to stop the losing trend before the match against the LA Clippers this Wednesday.
“I just liked the resiliency, especially on the defensive end,” said Marc Gasol, following the match. “Just like how we came together once we hit adversity.”
The Bulls were very good tonight on defense, as they limited the champs to just 37.8% from the field, which was one of their worst percentages this year. Toronto was only 24.1% from downtown, 7 for 29. However, what saved the day were the rebounds, as Raptors had 54 compared to 45 of the guests.
Also, Nurse’s team was playing defense excellent as usual, and they too decreased the field-goal percentage of the rivals to just 39.3%. Zach LaVine was completely stopped in the second half, and after dropping 20 throughout the first two quarters, he couldn’t post a single one until the end of the event.
The game had a very exciting last period, in which both sides changed the lead, starting with Chicago pulling away to 85-77. However, the guests immediately made a reaction and scored nine consecutive points. Eventually, Kyle Lowry made a layup to set the final score with 51 seconds to go.
Bulls are 8-17 since the season started, but it needs to be said that they look much better than during the previous campaign. Still, many are not satisfied with their performances, and they blame head coach Jim Boylen for underachieving. However, he isn’t going to change anything in his approach.
“I coach and teach every day on where I think we’re gonna be. When that’s gonna happen, when that’s gonna breakthrough, I’m not sure. But I’m gonna keep coaching that way,” Boylen stated.
LaVine had 20 points, 11 boards, and 6 assists. Wendel Carter Jr. and Daniel Gafford scored 14 each, while Lauri Markkanen had 13, same as Denzel Valentine.
On the other side, Pascal Siakam ended the night with 22 buckets and 6 boards. Norman Powel added 17, while Lowry had 11, but with a terrible shooting percentage again. He was 3 for 15 from the field, and one for 8 behind the three-point line. The Raptors’ All-Star added 7 assists and boards each. Serge Ibaka posted a double-double with 11 buckets and 14 rebounds.
Up next the champs are meeting the LA Clippers at home, and the fans will have a chance to see Kawhi Leonard at the Scotiabank Arena for the first time since last season.
“I would imagine that our fans are going to give him an amazing ovation,” coach Nurse said. “If they give him one-fifteenth of what they gave us on opening night, it’s still going to be something. It was really amazing the night we got ours.”
On the other side, the Bulls are hosting the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
