Bulls lose back-to-back home games to 76ers and Spurs
Chicago dropped its seventh straight contest on Sunday, extending a losing streak to nine games despite strong individual performances.
By Diego Mendoza ·
The Chicago Bulls lost their seventh consecutive game on Sunday, falling to the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center. The defeat extended a losing streak that began earlier this week when the team lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
Philadelphia won the matchup 127 to 121. The 76ers roster included LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 29 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes of play.
Chicago coach Tiago Splitter started Isaac Okoro in place of Norman Powell, who was sidelined by an injury. The starting lineup also included Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith, and rookie Caleb Wilson. Wilson finished the game with 18 points. Splitter said the team needed to play better and that players would have more touches.
Josh Giddey recorded 19 points and 15 assists in the loss. His 15 assists marked his sixth game with at least 15 dimes, tying for fourth-most in franchise history. The Bulls shot 52.3 percent from the field, a season best, and outscored Philadelphia 36 to 18 on bench play. Noa Essengue contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, while Jordan Hawkins scored a season high of nine points.
The game remained close until the final minutes. There were nine lead changes and four ties. Philadelphia built an eight-point advantage in the second quarter with a 20-8 run. Chicago cut the deficit to two points in the fourth quarter, but the 76ers held on for the win.
The Bulls had also lost to the Spurs on Wednesday, November 11, by a score of 124 to 119. Chicago led by 22 points in the second quarter and held a 70-56 advantage at halftime. San Antonio opened the second half with an 18-3 run to take control.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points, nine rebounds, and five blocked shots. Dylan Harper added 18 points and 10 assists, while De’Aaron Fox contributed 17 points and nine assists. Jalen Smith led the Bulls with 23 points, tying his career high. Nic Claxton added 17 points from the bench. Rookie Caleb Wilson scored 15 points before leaving with a right hand injury.
The losses dropped the Bulls to a 1-9 record on the season. The Spurs improved to 10 wins.
