CHICAGO — Josh Giddey posted a season-high performance, scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 rebounds before exiting halfway through the fourth quarter due to a right ankle injury. Despite his early departure, the Chicago Bulls powered through to secure their third consecutive win, defeating the Indiana Pacers 121-103 on Monday night.
Coby White also contributed 29 points to the Bulls’ victory, solidifying their hold on the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, Myles Turner was the leading scorer for the Pacers with 15 points, as they continued their struggles with a third consecutive loss, playing without their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, who was sidelined due to a hip injury.
The Bulls’ defense held strong, restricting Indiana to a shooting percentage of only 39.6% from the field and a mere 25% from the three-point line, converting just 10 of 40 attempts.
Notable Takeaways:
Pacers: With Haliburton out and a significant home game against Milwaukee looming on Tuesday night, coach Rick Carlisle opted to conserve his starters’ energy after the first half with the team trailing substantially. Currently ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference, Indiana will soon face off against the Milwaukee Bucks, who stand just above them in the rankings.
Bulls: Snapping a potential series sweep, the Bulls managed to claim a win against Indiana, who had previously triumphed in their three encounters by an average of over 13 points.
Key Moment:
Tied at 27, the Bulls unleashed a remarkable 40-point surge in the second quarter, propelling them to a commanding 67-48 lead. Chicago maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the remainder of the game.
Key Statistic:
Nikola Vucevic achieved 11 points and 11 rebounds, marking his 195th career double-double. This milestone moved him past Horace Grant for third place in the Bulls’ all-time double-double rankings, trailing only legends Artis Gilmore and Scottie Pippen.
Looking Ahead:
Next, Indiana will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Bulls are set to face the Brooklyn Nets at home on Thursday night.
