DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points for the Bulls, but faltered down the stretch
There are already four defeats accumulated by the Bulls in seven games
With a 3-pointer with 18 seconds left that silenced Chicago’s United Center, Joel Embiid rescued the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday and gave them a vibrant and long-suffering 114-109 win over the Bulls to continue Friday’s win over the Toronto Raptors.
Even on a lackluster day, in which he lost five fumbles and missed two free throws late in the fourth quarter, Embiid managed to be decisive for his Sixers and finished the game as the top scorer, with 25 pointsseven rebounds and four assists, essential to increase the balance of his team to 3-4.
His great 3-pointer with 18 seconds left, and an error by Alex Caruso, who had the ball to force overtime, allowed the 76ers to overcome the very complicated day of James Harden, in which he registered a two of thirteen in shots, scoring practically only from the free throw line (11 of 11). “La Barba” finished with a double double of fifteen points and eleven assists.
on the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points, but only four in the second half and none in the fourth quarter. Nikola Vucevic shone in his duel with Embiid and sealed a magnificent double-double of 23 points and 19 rebounds, with a five-of-seven three-pointer that went unrewarded.
Harden leads the 76ers’ opening breakout
After Tyrese Maxey’s display in Toronto, when he scored 44 points, the 76ers started with confidence at the United Center and, at the pace of Harden, with five assists in the first quarter, they took a quick fifteen-point lead.
The triple line marked the differenceswith the Sixers over 50% (5-for-9) and the Bulls needing seven attempts to connect the first three points.
The Sixers had aa maximum advantage of 19 points at 49-30 and at 54-35, led by Embiid and by a Harden who sealed a great triple that left the locals in evidence. It was the best thing that “The Beard” showed on the night in Chicago, in which he would get stuck and chain a long series of shooting and management errors.
DeRozan holds up the Bulls
It was to DeRozan’s credit if the Bulls managed to stay alive despite their poor 3-point shooting percentage, which went 1-for-9 in the second quarter. Bulls number eleven picked up the pace and he already had twenty points at the break.
His great triple for 54-42 gave hope to the United Center and a great play against Harden and Tobias Harris, followed by a triple by Vucevicplaced the Bulls just three points (56-53).
Despite the fact that Tucker returned to put eight points of margin between the two teams at halftime, the Bulls had recovered the inertia and in the third period they completed their comeback. DeRozan, once again, hurt the Sixers from midrange and gave the Bulls their first lead of the night at 74-72.
in Philly, Harden got stuck and chained a long series of errorsbut, from the bench, Georges Niang (15 points and four triples) shone to maintain balance (103-103), with five minutes to play.
Embiid, decisive
The luminous marked 1.10 to go with a 109-109 tie and Embiid forgave his two attempts from the free throw line. A great opportunity for the Bulls, but wasted for a Zach LaVine who, despite his 20 points, was not successful at the key moment.
It was then that Embiid vindicated himself, by connecting a tremendous triple for 112-109 with 18 seconds left.
The Bulls had the last word, but the rim deflected a two-point attempt by DeRozan. Caruso, with a great defensive play, recovered the ball and he had the triple in his hands to force the extra time. His shot fell short and the 76ers got out of Chicago with a valuable victory, their second in a row.
For the Bulls it was the fourth loss in seven games this year.the second in a row after the setback suffered on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs.