DEMAR DeRozan scored a game-high 29 points to go with 10 rebounds and Zach LaVine added 26 points to lift the host Chicago Bulls to a 126-115 victory against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
Nikola Vučević had 18 points and 13 rebounds for Chicago, logging his 27th double-double of the season and seventh in the past eight games. The Bulls closed the game on an 11-0 run, limiting the Magic to zero points over the final 5:34.
Former Bull Wendell Carter, Jr. flirted with a double-double for the Magic, contributing 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Franz Wagner (22 points), Cole Anthony (20) and Gary Harris (13) rounded out a balanced attack.
Chicago shot 51.1% compared to 49.5% for Orlando. With their 32nd victory of the season, the Bulls surpassed their win total from last season.
Orlando proved pesky throughout the night. Facing a 10-point deficit with 7:38 to go, the Magic uncorked a game-tying, 10-0 run in just 1:36, getting five points from Wagner during the spurt.
The Bulls channeled grittier defense down the stretch while spreading the ball. Ayo Dosunmu had nine of Chicago’s 25 assists to go with 13 points. Javonte Green scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. — Reuters
