The Chicago Bulls emerged victorious with a 105-92 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, capitalizing on the absence of NBA MVP Joel Embiid. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 24 points, while Coby White contributed an impressive 20 points in the first game of a back-to-back series.
Embiid, sidelined due to a sprained right ankle, might return in the next matchup scheduled for Tuesday in Philadelphia.
The Bulls, who have been on an upward trajectory with five wins in their last seven games, were also boosted by Andre Drummond’s performance. Drummond, stepping up in the absence of starting center Nikola Vucevic, who is out with a groin injury, racked up 15 points and 23 rebounds, aiding the Bulls in dominating the boards with a 53-36 rebound advantage.
Tyrese Maxey stood out for the 76ers, scoring 20 points and dishing out seven assists. Tobias Harris also added 15 points for Philadelphia. A critical moment for the Bulls came in the final quarter when they launched a decisive 13-2 run, transforming a narrow five-point lead into a comfortable 95-79 advantage, aided by DeRozan’s five points during this stretch.
“The season didn’t start how we wanted it to start,” White said. “Everybody’s ready to contribute when the opportunity presents itself.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Reflecting on the season’s progress, White emphasized the team’s readiness to step up, especially after a challenging start to the season. The Bulls’ improved form in December marked a significant turnaround from their early struggles.
“It’s a difficult road trip without Joel the whole way,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said after his team finished a four-game trip without the MVP. “We’re glad we got out of it 2-2.”
The 76ers, meanwhile, concluded a four-game road trip with coach Nick Nurse acknowledging the challenges faced without Embiid, especially after a balanced 2-2 outcome on the trip.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
While the Bulls managed to keep their turnovers down to 16, the absence of key players like Vucevic and star Zach LaVine, sidelined due to foot inflammation, remains a concern. LaVine’s potential return to practice could provide a boost for the team as they continue their season.
“We weren’t that great in the first quarter with six turnovers,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. “But as the game went on, we got better.”
The Bulls and 76ers are set to face off again on Tuesday, with both teams eyeing key returns from their injured stars.
