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Bulls 130, Nuggets 127: Five-game losing streak ends in another thrilling finish

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Will Gottlieb Avatar

Bulls' Matas Buzelis

What a difference a day makes.

Less than 24 hours after a double-OT heartbreaker in Utah, the Chicago Bulls took the court against the 10-2 Denver Nuggets and emphatically ended their five-game losing streak.

The Bulls were without Coby White (calf), who was out despite making his season debut against the Jazz. This was planned rest, but even more important after he overshot his minutes limit. Tre Jones (ankle) was also out for the second straight game.

But despite being short-handed, the Bulls were able to overcome a 36-point, 18-rebound, 13-assist triple-double from Nikola Jokic.

Josh Giddey was sensational in his own right, scoring 21 on 8-of-12 shooting with 14 rebounds and six assists. His aggression getting into the paint, where his floater was falling, was critical for the Bulls to generate offense.

As a group, the Bulls made 19 threes and turned the ball over only nine times, helping propel them despite losing the offensive rebounding and free-throw attempt battle.

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But it was the bench that won them this game. Ayo Dosunmu was +23 in a three-point win and hit two clutch free throws to help seal the win. Jevon Carter (15 points) was on fire. Jalen Smith (16 points) was fantastic before injuring his shoulder in the third quarter. The Bulls’ bench outscored Denver’s 66-9.

Up next: The Bulls wrap up this road trip on Wednesday night in Portland against the Trail Blazers (6-7), who have lost back-to-back games.

Tune into the CHGO Bulls postgame live show:

After a pedestrian start to the game, Billy Donovan turned to a line change with Carter, Dosunmu, Smith, Patrick Williams/Julian Phillips and Dalen Terry. Entering the game at 4:05 in the first quarter, the Bulls were down 22-18. The starters shot just 3-of-8 on threes, the bench unit came in and hit 8-of-12 from downtown. They built up a lead of 18 points with pace, defense and shooting.

By the time the starters re-entered the game at 6:48 in the second, the Bulls had a 50-35 lead, and nearly 9.5 minutes of rest — huge considering three starters played over 40 minutes in Sunday’s marathon.

Over the last few games, fans in the CHGO YouTube comments have expressed frustration at Donovan for allowing Nikola Vucevic to close out games despite his substandard play. Interestingly, Donovan went with Jalen Smith, who went for 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, to close the first half over Vucevic, who was 0-of-6.

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The pattern repeated itself in the third quarter with the bench coming in and extending the lead, only to see the starters unravel in the fourth.

— Will Gottlieb

I hope Smith’s shoulder is okay. Because over the past few games, he’s been HOOPING. Not only did he continue his efficient scoring, he’s been great on the defensive boards. And he did a much better job than Vucevic when trying to slow down Jokic. He used his body well, not budging an inch when Joker went to work from the post. That physicality, unfortunately, is what led to the tangle with Joker that caused his shoulder injury. Let’s hope it’s nothing major, because the Bulls can’t afford to lose this version of Smith.

Carter is hilarious, and sometimes awesome. Respect. The heat-check three he took in transition in the third quarter, which he missed, tracked down the rebound, jacked another three…cash. That is the definition of “green light”.

The Bulls Bench Mob has been great almost every night through their first 13 games this season. If only their starting unit could hold its own against the best teams in the league, like Denver. Then they’d really have something lol. Getting healthy (White, Jones, Zach Collins) should theoretically help some. But a deep and productive bench can only do so much for you if your starters get worked every night by their counterparts.

Speaking of the bench, another GREAT night from Dosunmu. The guy is just a stud. Plays hard – and smart – every night.

Jamal Murray took over to start the fourth quarter. Then Joker checked in. And…yeah. Stars win in this league.

— Matt Peck

Another Fun Game. I can get used to this. Peace to the DNVR crew.

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Smith has been ridiculously hot as of late. He’s earned his time on the floor. Has helped the team on both sides of the floor and the three-point shooting… *chef’s kiss*

Vucevic has been bad. That’s it. He has been strugg-a-ling. Could be tired legs, but he’s consistently been off as of late.

Buzelis was again aggressive. I really want him to take more mid-range shots, but I’m liking the 3PT shooting and dives to the basket. And the blocks? YES.

Mr. Stay Ready, AKA Jevon Carter, was big for the team, especially in the 2nd quarter. Providing them with timely 3pt makes especially in transition. Great to see.

Kevin Huerter hasn’t been great from deep. He hit a couple in the 3rd, but overall, he has struggled this season. Hope to see him get that part of his game back.

— Big Dave

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