The Denver Nuggets suffered their second consecutive road loss, falling to the Chicago Bulls 128-121. Despite Nikola Jokic's stellar performance with four dunks and an early scoring streak, the Nuggets struggled to contain the Bulls' three-point shooting. Chicago capitalized on their opportunities from beyond the arc, ultimately outlasting Denver.
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball finished with 33 points and 14 assists, but the Denver Nuggets fell to their second consecutive road loss , 128-121 to the Bulls on Monday night. The Bulls shot 45% from beyond the arc on 53 attempts, while Denver managed only 22% on 27 attempts. Chicago took control with a 12-0 run late in the third quarter, building a 90-88 lead after Denver's only made field goals from the eight-minute mark to the two-minute mark were three dunks and a layup.
Despite the Nuggets' strong first half, where they outscored Chicago 50-14 in the paint and 20-0 on fast breaks, their lack of jump shot accuracy proved costly against an opponent ranked second in 3-point attempts this season. Ayo Dosunmu sparked another decisive run with a layup at the start of the fourth quarter, extending the Bulls' lead with a 13-0 spurt. Coach Michael Malone employed an eight-man rotation, ending DeAndre Jordan's 25-game streak with Aaron Gordon taking over as the backup center. While this playoff-caliber second unit lacked the rebounding fortitude against Chicago's young roster, Christian Braun stepped up with a standout performance, contributing 28 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. However, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggled offensively, while the Bulls' shooters capitalized on their opportunities. Although the Nuggets twice narrowed the deficit to three points in the final three minutes, Zach LaVine responded with timely 3-pointers. LaVine led the Bulls with 21 points, fueled by a late surge. Lonzo Ball added four 3-pointers in his 16-point performance. Even at halftime, when the Nuggets led 68-61, Chicago had already made 12 of 26 shots from beyond the arc. Denver's perimeter defense and contest were insufficient throughout the game. Nikola Jokic, with an impressive four dunks, including one in transition where he seemingly cocked back his right arm before slamming the ball through the hoop, made his first 11 shots. His scoring streak ended late in the third quarter, conveniently coinciding with Chicago's takeover.
NBA Denver Nuggets Chicago Bulls Lonzo Ball Nikola Jokic Three-Point Shooting Road Loss
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