Clippers' balanced attack keeps Bulls at bay

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th March, 22:31 2024

Mar 14, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Onuralp Bitim (17) defends against LA Clippers forward Paul George (13) during the first half at the United Center. credits: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Paul George scored 28 points and Kawhi Leonard added 27 to lead five players in double figures and boost the visiting Los Angeles Clippers to a 126-111 win against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

The Clippers (42-23) snapped a two-game losing streak while sending the Bulls (32-35) to their third loss in four games.

Los Angeles shot 59.3 percent from the floor compared to 47.7 percent for Chicago. George sparked the attack with an 11-for-12 effort, including 6-of-7 from 3-point range.

Leonard, who was questionable before the game after back spasms kept him out of the final three quarters of Tuesday's loss to Minnesota, went 12-for-17.

Bones Hyland notched a double-double, finishing with 17 points and 11 assists. Norman Powell had 18 points and Terance Mann chipped in 12.

DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points to lead Chicago. Nikola Vucevic followed with 19 and Alex Caruso had 17 points, including five treys. Andre Drummond contributed 15 points and seven rebounds and Torrey Craig and Jevon Carter each scored 12 points.

Ivica Zubac grabbed a game-high eight rebounds for Los Angeles.

James Harden (left shoulder soreness) missed the game for the Clippers.

Coby White missed his first game of the season for the Bulls after sustaining a right hip injury late in regulation of Wednesday's overtime road victory against the Indiana Pacers. White, who is considered day-to-day, entered the night as the league minutes leader.

DeRozan passed him in that category during the game.

The Clippers took a 64-53 lead into halftime behind a strong one-two punch from Leonard (16 points) and George (15). George was 3-for-4 from beyond the arc to help the Clippers to an 8-for-19 effort from long range before the break.

Although the Bulls enjoyed even more success from deep, shooting 9-for-15, they were unable to keep pace with Los Angeles. Caruso scored 11 points and was the only Bull in double figures, while DeRozan and Craig followed with nine points apiece.

Los Angeles swept the season series from Chicago on the heels of the Clippers' 112-102 home victory Saturday.

Los Angeles has won eight of its past 11 meetings against the Bulls.

—Field Level Media

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