PORTLAND, Ore. — Scoot Henderson delivered an impressive performance with 25 points, helping the Portland Trail Blazers break their five-game losing streak by defeating the Chicago Bulls 113-102 on Sunday evening.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 27 points, marking their fifth consecutive loss in a tough season. The Blazers extended their lead to 97-82 when Shaedon Sharpe sank a crucial 3-pointer with 7:36 remaining. The Bulls made a late push, with Patrick Williams’ dunk narrowing the gap to 110-102 with just 1:26 left on the clock. However, Deni Avdija quickly responded with a layup for Portland, quelling the Bulls’ comeback attempt.
Sharpe, who came off the bench, was informed by coach Chauncey Billups that his defense needed improvement to regain a starting spot. He contributed significantly, finishing the game with 23 points. The Bulls initially dominated, leading by as much as 15 points in the first half. However, Henderson’s consecutive 3-pointers helped the Blazers close the gap to 43-42.
The two teams were tied at 45 after Jerami Grant’s 3-pointer, and it remained neck-and-neck as they entered halftime at 53-53. In the second half, Portland took control early, boasting a lead as high as 65-57 following Avdija’s 3-pointer. Although Ayo Dosunmu tied the game at 75 with a shot from beyond the arc, the Bulls struggled to regain the lead.
Avdija also turned in a double-double performance, amassing 20 points and 12 rebounds. The game’s key moment came when Henderson grabbed a defensive rebound and raced down the court under pressure, eventually finding Sharpe for a layup that put the Blazers ahead 87-77 going into the final quarter.
In terms of roster news, the Bulls were missing Lonzo Ball (right thigh injury), Jevon Carter (illness), and Chris Duarte (personal reasons). The Blazers were without Anfernee Simons, who sat out due to a right elbow strain, but both Avdija (right ankle) and Deandre Ayton (lower back) were available to play.
Despite the win, Portland ended a disappointing homestand with a record of 1-4. Looking ahead, the Bulls will head to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Monday, while the Trail Blazers will travel to Miami for a matchup on Tuesday evening.
