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WASHINGTON — In an impressive display, Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly to the Chicago Bulls’ 127-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday evening during the NBA Cup match. Vucevic recorded a notable 19 points along with 12 rebounds, while Coby White led the scoring for the Bulls with 21 points. Zach Lavine added 18 points, solidifying the Bulls’ standing as they entered a three-way tie at 2-1 with Boston and Atlanta, while holding a slight advantage over Cleveland in East Group C. The Bulls demonstrated strong defensive capability, allowing the second-fewest points they have this season, and marked their largest winning margin thus far. After taking control in the second quarter, Chicago maintained a double-digit lead throughout the latter half of the game. Washington’s Kyle Kuzma provided a valiant effort with a team-high 23 points, yet the Wizards experienced their twelfth consecutive loss, falling to 0-3 in the group standings. Rookie Alex Sarr matched his career high with 20 points, including four successful three-pointers, though the Wizards were once again without starting point guard Jordan Poole, who continues to recover from left hip soreness. Observations from the game included Chicago’s road performance improving to 6-5 for the season, making them one of only three teams in the Eastern Conference with a winning record outside their home arena, joining leaders Cleveland and Boston. Additionally, Sarr showcased the versatility that led the Wizards to choose him second overall in the NBA Draft, further boosting his three-point shooting percentage to 24.3% thanks to his efficient shooting performance. A pivotal moment in the game came in the second quarter when the Bulls rallied from a slow start, outscoring the Wizards 40-18. This impressive quarter marked Chicago’s second-highest scoring total in a quarter this season, while also reflecting Washington’s defensive struggles. In terms of shooting, the Bulls initially struggled, converting just 1 of 13 attempts from three-point range in the first quarter. However, they rebounded well, sinking 10 of their next 15 attempts from beyond the arc, highlighting a substantial turnaround in their offensive strategy. Looking ahead, the Wizards will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, while the Bulls prepare for an away game against Orlando. |