The Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards came up against each other on the first day of 2022. Both teams were shorthanded for their first game for the season in Capital One Arena.
The game started off fantastic for the Wizards who took a demanding 12-point lead at halftime. The team managed to keep most of its advantage 4 minutes into the last quarter. At 102-92 the chances of the Bulls to get yet another win were very slim.
Kuz putting it in spin cycle – gets the hoop and the foul!#DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/jAMkQ5rU8B
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 2, 2022
However, a decent performance from Chicago’s top 3 gave them the lead, 115-114, with 01:43 remaining. Two successful free throw shots on both ends made the game 117-116 in favor of the Bulls with under a minute to play. In their last attack, Kyle Kuzma sank a jump shot 3-pointer to give the Wizards the lead, 117-119.
With under 4 seconds to make their attack, the Bulls called for a timeout. Coby White found DeMar DeRozan who had the chance to either send the game into overtime or win it all for his team. He eventually sank a pullup jump shot from deep, bringing another victory for the Bulls.
DEMAR DEROZAN FOR THE WIN AGAIN!!@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/RzYwDV7QA4
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 2, 2022
Zach LaVine dropped 35 points and was crucial for the win with his 7-12 shooting from beyond the arc. The Bulls’ hero, DeMar DeRozan finished off with 28 points, most of which came in the second half. Nikola Vucevic ended up with a double-double (22 points and 11 rebounds).
Kyle Kuzma was the most effective scorer on the Washington Wizards. He put up 29 points on a 12-18 shooting from the field. The power forward added 12 rebounds as well. Bradley Beal also recorded a double-double for his team with 27 points and a career-high 17 assists.
This was the seventh straight win for Chicago who are now solely on top of the Eastern Conference. They lead in front of the Brooklyn Nets with 24 wins and 10 losses. The Wizards remain in the middle of the table with an even 18-18 record.
