Makeshift Bulls edge past struggling Wizards

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th April, 22:09 2024

Apr 12, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Bulls center Adama Sanogo (21) flips over Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) while defending a shit attempt in the first half at Capital One Arena. credits: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Javonte Green scored 24 points and Dalen Terry led a late surge as the visiting Chicago Bulls used a makeshift lineup to defeat the Washington Wizards 129-127 on Friday night.

Adama Sanogo contributed 22 points and 20 rebounds off the bench while Coby White and Jevon Carter added 20 points each as the Bulls (39-42) pulled off the victory with a lineup full of reserves.

It was the second road win in as many nights for Chicago. Its victory Thursday night in Detroit clinched the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference and a home game in the play-in round against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Bulls trailed 115-110 late before out-scoring the Wizards 19-12 over the final 4:02.

Carter, who added 12 assists, triggered the rally with a step-back jumper and rookie Henri Drell followed with a 3-pointer that tied it.

Terry (17 points, eight assists) followed with a driving layup, a feed to Torrey Craig (11 points, 15 rebounds) for a 3-pointer and a sensational driving slam with 42 seconds left which gave the Bulls a 125-119 lead.

Korey Kispert, who finished with 23 points, hit a 3-pointer with 23 seconds left to give Washington a chance, cutting the deficit to 127-126. But Kispert missed a contested layup in the final second.

With little at stake in the game, the Bulls listed nine inactive players on Friday night. The 6-foot-5 Green, who made 10 of 15 shots from the floor, opened the game at center in the Bulls' guard-heavy lineup.

Deni Avdija had 23 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists to pace Washington (15-66), which is on its way to its worst record in franchise history.

The Wizards also employed a depleted lineup with eight players inactive including five of their top seven scorers.

Patrick Baldwin Jr. scored 19 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for the Wizards. Tristan Vukcevic contributed 19 points and Johnny Davis and Jared Butler added 15 points apiece.

Washington started fast, making six of its first eight shots from beyond the arc to bolt to a 30-14 lead before the game was seven minutes old.

But Chicago responded behind Green, who had a 3-pointer and a three-point play during a 10-0 run early in the second quarter which gave the Bulls their first lead, 43-42.

—Field Level Media

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