In a decisive showdown, the Toronto Raptors clinched a commanding 121-108 victory over the Chicago Bulls O.G. Anunoby led the charge, delivering a stellar performance and matching his season-high with 26 points in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, spelling the end of the Bulls’ contention.
Toronto demonstrated a well-rounded offensive effort, with the standout performance of Anunoby complemented by Pascal Siakam’s 18 points. Dennis Schroder added 17 points, Gary Trent Jr. contributed 16, Jakob Poeltl recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Scottie Barnes chipped in with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Bulls Struggle in the Tournament
The loss marked the Bulls’ third consecutive defeat in the In-Season Tournament, leaving them with an 0-3 record. Chicago has faced a challenging stretch, dropping six of their last seven games, and the elimination further compounds their recent woes.
Despite the team’s struggles, Zach LaVine showcased a remarkable performance for the Bulls, scoring 36 points on 16-of-23 shooting. LaVine returned to action after sitting out the previous game due to a sore right foot, highlighting his scoring prowess.
DeRozan’s Ejection
DeMar DeRozan, facing his former team, contributed 19 points for the Bulls but faced an ejection with 1.4 seconds remaining after receiving his second technical foul. The ejection added a dramatic touch to the game’s conclusion.
Pascal Siakam played a pivotal role in Toronto’s success, not only contributing 18 points but also matching a season-high with eight assists. The Raptors finished with an impressive 32 assists, extending their team-record streak of games with 25 or more assists to 12.
Siakam’s buzzer-beating shot at the end of the third quarter extended the Raptors’ lead to 93-77, setting the tone for the final period. The Raptors’ ability to maintain control of the game showcased their resilience and efficiency on both ends of the court.
The Raptors’ convincing victory over the Bulls in the In-Season Tournament not only solidified their 1-2 record in the competition but also terminated Chicago’s hopes of advancing. Toronto’s balanced attack and standout performances, coupled with Chicago’s continued struggles, highlight the unpredictable nature of the tournament and set the stage for further exciting matchups as the competition unfolds.
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