----- The Chicago Bulls scored 66 points in the second half to overcome an 18-point first quarter deficit handing the Trail Blazers a 111-108 loss Tuesday night at Moda Center.
Zach LaVine hits a 27-foot three-pointer with 10.8 remaining in the game pushing the Chicago Bulls to a 111-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday night at Moda Center.
Carmelo Anthony's missed three with 2.7 seconds remaining cemented the win for Chicago.
The Portland Trail Blazers opened the game on fire scoring 39 points in the first quarter on 8-of-15 shooting from three-point range building an 20-point lead, but the Bulls responded by winning the next three quarters.
The Bulls chipped away at the lead, tying it in the fourth quarter at 91 on Otto Porter Jr.'s three-pointer. Garrett Temple's three gave the Bulls a 96-94 lead with 6:36 left. Their first lead of the game.
The Bulls erupted for 66 points in the second half as the Trail Blazers struggled to find energy on defense, went cold from the field, and got outworked on both ends of the floor for most of the game.
“We lost this in the second half,” Blazers Coach Terry Stotts said. “Chicago outplayed us. They played harder than us. We let down our guard and gave up 66 points in the second half after having an outstanding first half, defensively.”
“Chicago played harder, and they got life,” Stotts said. “They got confidence. They made shots and we got a little tight with our shots.”
Coby White led Chicago (4-4) with 21 points, Porter Jr. recorded a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds, and LaVine finished with 18.
The Bulls were without Lauri Markkanen, Ryan Arcidiacono, Chandler Hutchinson and Tomas Satoransky for the fourth straight game because of the league's COVID-19 protocols. Hutchinson and Satoransky tested positive and are isolating.
CJ McCollum led Portland (3-4) with 26 points, Damian Lillard added 24, and Robert Covington finished with 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting from beyond-the-arc.
The Blazers set a franchise record by attempting 51 three-pointers, they made 19.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers host the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday night at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- More things change, more they stay the same.