Bulls vs. Suns: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Chicago Bulls (41-29) play against the Phoenix Suns (14-14) at Footprint Center

Game Time: 10:00 PM EDT on Friday March 18, 2022

Chicago Bulls 102, Phoenix Suns 129 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Nobody can replace what Chris does out there. We know how much we’re going to need him when it comes into this playoff run, but in the meantime, we’re just trying to hold it down.”
Devin Booker as #Suns are 9-4 w/o Chris Paul (thumb) after Friday’s 129-102 win over Chicago. pic.twitter.com/Mk1rXRjp5x – 1:30 AM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls have some serious repairs to make over the final 12 games, and veteran DeMar DeRozan was hoping they can embrace the challenge, even after the embarrassment in Phoenix on Friday.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturda… – 1:14 AM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Devin Booker mentioned the Suns’ win total getting close to the 60s so I asked if the guys are aware of 62.
“Is that the franchise record? Now I am.”
*extends arms in giving fashion*
You’re welcome, Suns fans. pic.twitter.com/Yv6ixM6yl0 – 1:11 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“This is me tightening up.” Deandre Ayton making more aggressive moves as he said #Suns are getting ready for the playoffs. – 1:02 AM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
DeMar DeRozan on the Bulls losing slump: “You want to have a smooth, pretty road, whatever destination you’re on, but sometimes it just don’t go that way. You hit bumpy roads and you got to make adjustments … to try to get out of that terrain.” – 1:01 AM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
DeMar DeRozan on the state of the Bulls: “You hit bumpy roads, and you’ve got to make adjustments while you’re on that road and try to get out of that terrain. That’s just where we’re at. We just hit that tough spot. It’s on us to get ourselves out of it and figure it out.” – 1:01 AM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Lol @YoungNBA, you are the first person I think of every time the Suns win. This team is unbelievable. – 1:00 AM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
DeMar DeRozan says he plans to go up to support Patrick Williams if he plays in Sunday’s game for the Windy City Bulls, giving a small hint at the forward’s plans for the next week. – 1:00 AM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
DeMar DeRozan, on if he thinks he’s seeing more double-teams and traps now: “For sure. No question. Probably the most I’ve seen in my career.” – 12:59 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Deandre Ayton postgame. #Suns pic.twitter.com/0TzIGth5WO – 12:59 AM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“I need Craig to get off my glass, man.”
Deandre Ayton joked about Torrey Craig’s work on the boards before saying he likes his work on the glass and how demoralizing those offensive boards can be for opponents – 12:58 AM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns are now 43-0 when they give up less than 110 points. – 12:55 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Torrey Craig postgame.
Is 13-of-13 FGs last two games (5-of-5 from 3). #Suns pic.twitter.com/4l1b0JmOEr – 12:51 AM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
LIVE: DeMar DeRozan media availability following tonight’s game against the Suns twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:49 AM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams said that Elfrid Payton playing in Aaron Holiday’s spot tonight was a matchup thing. He rattled off the size Chicago has in the backcourt and said on the film from the game in Chicago that Payton was great defensively.
My interpretation was it was a one-time thing – 12:36 AM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Back-to-back perfect nights for Torrey!
He is the first player in @NBA history to total 30+ PTS, 20+ REBS & 5+ 3PM on 100% FG over a 2-game span (via @Stathead). pic.twitter.com/wXnKI0mLE0 – 12:36 AM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams said Elfrid Payton getting minutes over Aaron Holiday tonight was a matter of his size helping the Suns against Chicago’s size. Said they looked at the film from their last meeting and thought he was a big part of that win defensively – 12:33 AM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
LIVE: Billy Donovan media availability following tonight’s game against the Suns twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:33 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I’m learning each year how to coach him.” Monty Williams on Devin Booker as he said the teams changing over the years, so he’s finding new ways to coach Booker. #Suns – 12:30 AM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
The Bulls will return home to Chicago empty handed after dropping all three of their West Coast games this week.
DeRozan, Vooch and LaVine all finish with negative +/- in this one. – 12:29 AM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“That was what I was most pleased with.”
Monty Williams said he told the Suns that the way they compete every night is something they don’t take for granted. – 12:27 AM Phoenix Suns @Suns
They call him: DominAYTON 😤
Tonight’s @FanDuel Stat Line of the Game. pic.twitter.com/Co7iZidE2l – 12:25 AM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Not our night. See you Monday in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/xXboklTHIu – 12:24 AM Phoenix Suns @Suns
FREE GORILLA BITES WITH TONIGHT’S WIN!
Download the Suns app to claim your 3 free Gorilla Bites and head to an @ATLWingsAZ in the next 24hrs!
📱 https://t.co/T8bUcCzb76 pic.twitter.com/OKQwKwLFf2 – 12:23 AM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Standings check after Bulls’ 129-102 loss to Suns
– Celtics (4th in East) took care of Kings, so Bulls (5th) fall 1.5 games back of them
– Cavs (6th) beat Nuggets, so they’re 1 game back of Bulls
– Raptors (7th) lost to Lakers, so they’re two back
Bulls host Raptors on Monday – 12:23 AM Phoenix Suns @Suns
DIDN’T STOP RUNNING. pic.twitter.com/OuM90CDEuN – 12:21 AM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Matt Thomas saves the 30-point embarrassment! – 12:18 AM Phoenix Suns @Suns
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN! pic.twitter.com/IR6pmIJpSX – 12:18 AM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: PHX 129, CHI 102
Booker: 28-4-3, 10-18 FG
Ayton: 20 Pts, 12 Reb, 8-11 FG
Payne: 15 Pts, 7 Ast
Craig: 14 Pts, 9 Reb, 5-5 FG
Shamet: 14 Pts, 5-11 FG
DeRozan: 19 Pts, 6-14 FG
Suns move to 44-0 when leading after 3 quarters – 12:18 AM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Suns 129, Bulls 102
Bulls shot 41.2%
Suns shot 56% – 12:18 AM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Final: Suns 129, Bulls 102.
DeMar DeRozan: 19/1/2
Nikola Vučević: 16/7/1
Zach LaVine: 12/2/9
Coby White: 14/2/1
The Bulls finish winless on their three-game trip and are now 41-29. – 12:18 AM Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
The Chicago Bulls are the most predictable team in the NBA – they beat the bad teams and lose to the good teams – 12:18 AM Phoenix Suns @Suns
VIBE CHECK.
HOW WE FEELING? pic.twitter.com/0J1IYCTBtt – 12:17 AM Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
The Chicago Bulls have lost their last 7 of 10 games since the All Star break. The most disturbing sign however is the way they’ve been playing since then. They’re really vulnerable on defense and their effort reminds the bad Bulls teams of the previous years. #BullsNation – 12:15 AM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
This is 2nd straight game the Bulls have allowed 125 points. – 12:14 AM Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics standings watch:
1. MIA – 4.0 GB
2. MIL – 1.5 GB
3. PHI – 1.0 GB
4. BOS
5. CHI – 1.5 UP
6. CLE – 2.5 UP
7. TOR – 3.5 UP
8. BKN – 6.0 UP
9. ATL – 7.5 UP
10. CHA – 7.5 UP – 12:14 AM Phoenix Suns @Suns
11 3-pointers means… FREE CARL’S JR!
Tomorrow get a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger® at a Valley @CarlsJr with the purchase of a fountain drink! pic.twitter.com/gj81Be59Xn – 12:10 AM StatMuse @statmuse
The Bulls are 0-15 vs the top 3 teams both conferences this season. pic.twitter.com/3BDfRqemu4 – 12:10 AM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
With this imminent loss, Bulls would:
—Drop to 2-17 vs. current top-4 teams in each conference
—Fall 1.5 games behind Celtics for homecourt advantage
—Drop to 1 game ahead of 6th-place Cleveland – 12:10 AM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Suns bums even doing a number on Bulls backups. – 12:06 AM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Aaron Holiday will check in here at the 6:08 mark after not playing all game. Bismack Biyombo checks in too – 12:06 AM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
6:25 left Bulls down 26…but I love ya Bulls Nation…where are you listening…shout out time on Bulls radio @670TheScore @audacy @Chicago Bulls radio network. – 12:03 AM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
I hope Suns fans are enjoying every single minute of this team because, MAN. Never seen anything like it in Phoenix – 12:03 AM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Celtics pulling away from the Bulls each day! pic.twitter.com/8ULUiV8tpS – 12:02 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker back in as Suns are up 21 with 7:35 left. – 12:00 AM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
It’s pretty wild taking a step back and remembering the Suns are doing what they’re doing without Chris Paul, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder – 11:57 PM Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Jayson Tatum is 12/15 from the field tonight with 8 minutes left, tied for the best shooting performance of his career, per @Stathead. He went 12/15 against Chicago on 1/4/20. – 11:57 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
All the smiles. 😁 pic.twitter.com/pno6EiJJ1C – 11:56 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Payne’s 3 puts all five Suns starters in double figures. Feels like we’ve seen that a whole lot the last couple weeks – 11:56 PM Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The Suns are about to improve their record since Chris Paul’s injury to 9-4. Devin Booker got COVID in that span. Cam Johnson has now missed their last eight games.
Just an incredible all-around team. Monty Williams has to be a lock for Coach of the Year at this point. – 11:55 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
One more to go. pic.twitter.com/S5hcCbaUbk – 11:53 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 95, #Bulls 72. End of 3rd. – 11:49 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 95, CHI 72
Booker: 26-4-3, 9-17 FG
Ayton: 20 Pts, 12 Reb, 8-11 FG
Craig: 14 Pts, 9 Reb, 5-5 FG
Vucevic: 14 Pts, 7 Reb – 11:49 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Things got pretty ugly in that third quarter. Suns outscore the Bulls 34-34 and Booker stays on track for a 35+ night.
DeRozan has been getting more and more attention from opponents as the season wears on, but LaVine and Vooch haven’t been able to absorb that pressure. – 11:49 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
T. CRAIG IS EVERYWHERE! pic.twitter.com/f1rqxuOkjY – 11:48 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
I warned you people months ago that this idea that everyone was going to be healthy the last few weeks, and opponents would then feel the pain of the running of the Bulls, was a fairytale. I’ve prepared you for this, but yet you bit the hand! – 11:48 PM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Zach LaVine’s fewest shot attempts in a full game this season is 10. He’s 1 of 7 at the end of the third quarter, and the Bulls are trailing by 23. LaVine does have a game-high eight assists. – 11:46 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Coby White was frantically gesturing for one of his teammates to help double him on Devin Booker. Book saw that and immediately went into his shot. Drilled it. Then he laughed about it in the direction of the bench, who were watching the whole thing unfold – 11:45 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Suns are only 6-for-18 from 3 (33.3%), but are shooting 27-for-42 from 2 (64.3%) and up by 22. This team is insane – 11:40 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
The Bulls are about to be 3-18 against teams currently sitting with a winning percentage of .600 or better this season. – 11:40 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Double-double DA in the building.
20 PTS & 12 REB already. 👀📈 pic.twitter.com/oqDLcBTvNO – 11:38 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Zach LaVine, who is 1-7 from field and 8-10 from line, is just 2nd Bull to crack double figures. And there’s 3:39 left in the 3rd. LaVine joins Vucevic. – 11:37 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Rev. Al Sharpton questions why Robert Sarver ‘is still there’ as #NBA investigation of #Suns team owner continues azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:36 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns with 10 PFs.
#Bulls with 12 PFs.
#Suns 16-of-18 FTs.
#Bulls 10-of-15 FTs.
#Suns up 21 as they’re shooting 54.4% from the field.
#Bulls are at 41.8% – 11:35 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
LaVine and DeRozan combined 17 points … Booker with 22. Best duo in the league having a rough one tonight. – 11:35 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
We have LIFTOFF in Downtown Phoenix.
@Devin Booker @Deandre Ayton pic.twitter.com/QDHDrkjR9d – 11:35 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
This is 5th straight game that Zach LaVine has attempted at least 8 FTs. – 11:35 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Torrey Craig just hit a pull-up 3 off the dribble in DeRozan’s face to remain perfect as a Suns starter. We might be wrapping up here soon – 11:34 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Deandre Ayton’s hook shot has become the Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse – 11:31 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Bulls 4-of-16 from 3. – 11:31 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton loose with the gather.
Finishes the shot.
Vucevic with the answer, plus the foul.
Misses FT. #Suns up 20. – 11:31 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Hope LaVine can get that knee right. This doesn’t look like him at all – 11:29 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Bulls’ body language right now pic.twitter.com/1bkFWTxrXR – 11:28 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
The corner three is open for business. pic.twitter.com/gY0ixrprtT – 11:28 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton upset with the foul call on the offensive board attempt .
The DeRozan is called for an offensive foul.
#Suns #BullsNation – 11:27 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker to Ayton lob
#Suns up 21. – 11:26 PM Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
I don’t think it’s said enough — that the Phoenix Suns went to and left The Finals with the “potentially fraudulent” label, and then they just came out and smacked everyone all season.
They have the best record in the NBA by a mile. I just don’t get how they’re not the favorite. – 11:26 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker came down funny on that one. Limping a little bit. #Suns – 11:25 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Caruso turnover. #Suns up 72-55 – 11:25 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Torrey Craig has yet to miss a shot as a Suns starter. A perfect 12-for-12 – 11:25 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Out of a timeout, LaVine throws crosscourt pass that is picked off for Craig transition layup. – 11:25 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Bulls need to clone Alex Caruso. Between his last couple possessions on Booker at end of first half to his energy to start second—has block and steal already—he has been everywhere. – 11:23 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Caruso gets the second-half start for Javonte Green, which Billy Donovan just spoke about the other day as a possibility. It doesn’t seem to matter much right now. – 11:22 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso starts the second half in Javonte Green’s place.
Billy Donovan said it’s been a challenge figuring out whether to start Caruso while he’s still on this <30 minute restriction. Ideally he would start and close halves, but that’s hard to balance. – 11:22 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bulls are playing angry and more aggressive on defense, but aside from a few turnovers, the Suns are just moving the ball to the right spots. Lead is now 18 – 11:22 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Ayo Dosunmu is consistently improving his timing to jump the passing lane when a ball gets switched back up to the top of the arc. He starts the second half with a transition bucket off a steal from that play. – 11:21 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns’ lead is now up to 18. Bulls came out of the half with more aggressive defense but Phoenix had the passes to beat the rotations. – 11:20 PM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Alex Caruso starts the second half in place of Javonte Green. – 11:19 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Alex Caruso starts the second half for the Bulls over Javonte Green — and Caruso was immediately matched with Devin Booker – 11:19 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls down 13 at the break. Vucevic with 10. DeRozan and White each with 9. Lavine 3pts 5 assists. Booker with 20. – 11:17 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
A kiss off the glass. pic.twitter.com/XGCqw382ZJ – 11:16 PM Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Last two possessions of the half, Booker tried to take Caruso one-on-one. pic.twitter.com/SKFhhI2gcw – 11:08 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Half: Bulls down 61-48. The Chairman of the @Chicago Bulls Jerry Reinsdorf- next on @670TheScore @Audacy @Chicago Bulls radio network – 11:06 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
🔒 FIRST TEAM 🔒
@Mikal Bridges | #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/Ib0t2lKG3V – 11:06 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Down at the half.
Nikola Vucevic: 10 pts (5-10 FG)
White/DeRozan: 9 pts each pic.twitter.com/NoaP7VBSzp – 11:05 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Suns went 3-13 from 3 (with some open misses) in that first half, but still put up 61 points. Shot 20-31 (64.5%) inside the arc, 12-12 from free-throw line – 11:03 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
DEEBO ON THE FLY.
@NBCSChicago | @DeMar DeRozan pic.twitter.com/1ea6SXatEv – 11:02 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 61 #Bulls 48 Half. – 11:02 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: PHX 61, CHI 48
Booker: 20 Pts, 6-13 FG
Ayton: 10 Pts, 7 Reb, 4-7 FG
Craig: 9 Pts, 6 Reb
Vucevic: 10 Pts, 5 Reb – 11:01 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Suns 61, Bulls 48 at half
Vucevic 10 pts
DeRozan 9 pts
LaVine 3 pts, 5 assists
Booker 20 pts
Ayton 10 pts, 7 rebs – 11:01 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Complete the play. pic.twitter.com/CM2siBFbvm – 11:01 PM Dave Early @DavidEarly
“Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan, Ja Morant for me, those are my top three and I’ll probably go Joel. Jokic, you can throw throw Jokic in there. But I’ll probably go Joel.”
-Sounds like Kevin Durant gives his vote for MVP to Joel Embiid. pic.twitter.com/755IgFVoMG – 11:01 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Maybe the referees heard Devin Booker question why he only has six FTAs in his previous four games.
Is 7-of-7 from the line tonight.
#Suns up 13 with less than a minute remaining in the 1st half. – 11:00 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Chicago Bulls fans try to start a fairly rousing MVP chant, Phoenix Suns fans drown it out in boos. – 11:00 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
light MVP chant for Booker with his last FTs so now DeRozan is at the line and gets much louder MVP chants from a strong Bulls contingent that is drowned out by boos – 11:00 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bulls fans tried to get an MVP chant for DeMar DeRozan on his FTs. Suns fans drowned it out. DeRozan missed – 11:00 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
DeRozan goes flying for a two-handed slam, but the Suns still hold a 12-point lead.
The Bulls have some punch on the offensive end, but the Suns are shooting 56.1% from the field and Booker is scorching the defense. – 10:59 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton 10 points, seven rebounds and zero fouls in 16 minutes.
Fouled out in first game vs. #Bulls in Chicago.
#Suns up 14 late in 1st half. – 10:59 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Bulls allowed 71 points in second half in Utah and have allowed 61 and counting in 1st half tonight in Phoenix. – 10:59 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Nikola Vucevic gets hit with a tech. He had been complaining about a couple of no-calls, turned to the ref after that last one and immediately got T’d up – 10:56 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns are 19-for-27 on their 2s. Have 11 assists on 22 total field goals. Weird offensive game so far. – 10:55 PM Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant says he thinks the MVP race this year is between Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan, Ja Morant and Nikola Jokic. Says his pick is Joel Embiid, but says the award can go any way. – 10:55 PM Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant asked to pick the league’s MVP, said he’d go with Joel Embiid, but said his top four are Ja Morant, Jokic, Embiid and DeMar DeRozan. – 10:54 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Landry Sham👌t + the foul. pic.twitter.com/g8mM1X9uht – 10:53 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
The Suns are getting some separation with a 52-42 lead.
And it could be much worse — the Suns are only shooting 23% from 3-point range. – 10:51 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Coby doing work!
@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/w7eHXZ4TvL – 10:48 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Last shot of the frame.
Book it. pic.twitter.com/WQWiw6L8im – 10:41 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Ish Wainright with the defensive dig on DeMar DeRozan, you say? – 10:41 PM Will Guillory @WillGuillory
The Pelicans have played 11 games since coming back from the All-Star break:
— 5 losses
— 5 wins by 25+ points
— 1 win by 15 over the 1st place Phoenix Suns – 10:41 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
0⃣ making the conversion on both ends.
@Torrey Craig | #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/1uhqRZ6Vrr – 10:36 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Cam Payne is back in to start the 2Q, Payton out. No Aaron Holiday yet – 10:35 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
What do you want first? Bad news or the good news? You get the bad news, as the Lonzo Ball update from Billy Donovan wasn’t great. PWill? Much better?
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturda… – 10:34 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
+3 at the end of the first. pic.twitter.com/EoQChekSFS – 10:34 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Fun quarter. Fair bit of slippage for the Suns defensively before DeRozan got going in the last couple minutes. Booker with 13 points. – 10:33 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Bully in the sandbox 😤
@NBCSChicago | @Tristan Thompson pic.twitter.com/9f0NnU1aNI – 10:33 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: PHX 30, CHI 27
Booker: 13 Pts, 5-9 FG
Ayton: 4 Pts, 6 Reb
Craig: 7 Pts, 2-2 FG
DeRozan: 6 Pts, 3-5 FG – 10:32 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Caruso took one in the chops. – 10:31 PM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers started second half on an 8-1 run over the first 4:25 of third quarter.
It would take five more of those to make up this deficit. And Utah still leads 76-42 with 6:12 left in third quarter.
Utah fans do get to see Trevor Booker who is here tonight, so there’s that. – 10:31 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
This secondary matchup in the post between Tristan Thompson and JaVale McGee has been a good one so far. Thompson winning that one 4-0 so far. – 10:31 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Battle goin’ on in the desert. 🏜 pic.twitter.com/VNSOWMoc5g – 10:31 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Hype video for the Kahleah Copper vs. Sophie Cunningham — wait, I mean Sky vs. Mercury — rematch on the big screen here in Phoenix during a timeout. Plenty of excitement for that one. – 10:29 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
FLIGHT 8 IS IN THE BUILDING.
@NBCSChicago | @Zach LaVine pic.twitter.com/YymwT0rapD – 10:29 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Third time is the charm. 👌 pic.twitter.com/InkzCcOs1E – 10:25 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Iso Caruso 🎯
@NBCSChicago | @Alex Caruso pic.twitter.com/kpuVTJglB0 – 10:25 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Elfrid Payton is set to check in over Aaron Holiday… – 10:24 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
The Bulls are trying to push the pace a bit here to catch the Suns on their back foot. Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso are establishing that tempo. – 10:23 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker: 11 points, 4-6 FG
Rest of Suns: 6 points, 2-8 FG – 10:22 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Throwing it down with a little ferocity. pic.twitter.com/PlOQA4klfT – 10:22 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Goga Biatdze with an and-1 dunk on Jae’Sean Tate! Game is tied at 115. #Pacers – 10:18 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Two completely unguarded 3-pointers followed by two offensive rebounds for the Suns, capped off with a 3-pointer from Booker to take a 13-12 lead. – 10:17 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker’s got 9 points in the first 5 minutes. Suns got three looks at a 3 on that last possession before Booker drilled it. Crowd liked that one – 10:17 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Suns take 3 3-pointers on same possession after 2 offensive rebounds. Booker finally converts. – 10:17 PM Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Tough break for the Raptors. With their OT loss to the Lakers & Cleveland’s OT win over Denver, Cavs retake a 1-game lead for 6th seed, and it’s more like 2 games when you factor in the tiebreaker. 12 games left, and the next 3 will be pivotal: at Philly, at Chicago, vs Cleveland – 10:17 PM Tony Mejia @MejiaDinero
OVER 156.5 wins in Arizona/ Wright State but I didn’t get down to the book early enough so a PUSH for me. Needed aggressive garbage time. Winning TCU/Seton Hall UNDER but wanted a better number. Growls galore – 10:16 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Vooch getting all the action around the rim to start this one, scoring 6 of the Bulls first 7 points. – 10:14 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
A DA dunk gets us goin’. pic.twitter.com/lqpaTVDZTU – 10:13 PM Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Lose to Detroit, Orlando and the Lakers at home, win back-t0-back on the road at Phoenix and Denver
You try to figure out the Raptors, I dare you – 10:09 PM Howard Beck @HowardBeck
Exclusive: The Rev. Al Sharpton spoke to NBA officials today, and is vowing “mass action” in Phoenix if the league doesn’t act soon on the Robert Sarver matter.
My story, at @SInow: si.com/nba/2022/03/19… – 10:07 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Just as Bulls set to tipoff in Phoenix, Lakers beat Raptors. – 10:07 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
A reminder DeMar is a former dunk contest champ. pic.twitter.com/IRKObWCbwi – 10:07 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Book to DA from the bench. 💁‍
@Devin Booker @Deandre Ayton pic.twitter.com/T0W2yEvGM8 – 10:00 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
👀🔴 – 10:00 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Believe in women.
Support women.
Honor women.
@PlayAtGila | #YouDoYou pic.twitter.com/mCLkoydTbm – 9:40 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Woo in the “Cap and Gown” Jordan 11s.
@Javonte Green | #BullsKicks pic.twitter.com/hwvVNNISgb – 9:39 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Friday marked 7 weeks since Lonzo Ball underwent his surgical procedure, which the Bulls initially said would keep him out 6-8 weeks.
Billy Donovan said Ball’s rehab progress has stalled for now.
For @NBCSChicago: nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/… – 9:37 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Same starters tonight in Phoenix.
@FirstAlert | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/SDjOygHGYa – 9:30 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Starters vs Chicago pic.twitter.com/UUVT3qKIwv – 9:30 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls Nation is alive and well in The Valley of the Sun ⁦@Chicago Bulls⁩ @Phoenix Suns ⁦@670TheScore⁩ ⁦@Audacy⁩ ⁦@Chicago Bulls⁩ radio network 8:45 CT pic.twitter.com/zezYl1PCIK – 9:25 PM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Lonzo Ball’s return from a torn meniscus still could be a ways away, if it at all before the end of the regular season.
“He has not responded,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said Friday. “There’s not setbacks. It’s still the same thing.”
via @TheAthletic theathletic.com/realtime/6veQw… – 9:17 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Black attire tonight 🔴 pic.twitter.com/FygSYfa64X – 9:15 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Jae Crowder is going through his usual pregame work – 9:14 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tonight’s @BannerHealth Health Update: pic.twitter.com/0xNOR0ax8K – 9:00 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Ready for the late night shift. pic.twitter.com/I8jUxgBJwO – 8:57 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Patrick Williams could be ready to play limited minutes in Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors.
Billy Donovan didn’t rule out also playing him in Milwaukee on a back-to-back. – 8:51 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
With the legendary voice of the @Phoenix Suns. The great ⁦@AlMcCoy7⁩ pic.twitter.com/y58moUiIVO – 8:48 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Billy Donovan says Lonzo Ball “has not responded” in his recovery.
Still stuck trying to get up to full speed drills, Lonzo keeps having discomfort attempting to go 100%.
The one positive is that he’s not having pain doing everyday things like going up the stairs anymore. – 8:46 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Suns don’t have Chris Paul, Cam Johnson or Jae Crowder. Will this finally be the night #Bulls rise up and beat one of the league’s top teams? – 8:44 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Not good news on Lonzo Ball. He’s not regressed, but he’s definitely stalled out in the current rehab program. – 8:42 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Lonzo Ball is still not doing anything full speed, per Billy Donovan. Any time he gets close there’s discomfort in knee. Donovan said team has considered backing off and letting him rest for a period of time. Didn’t call it a setback, but said Ball “hasn’t responded” – 8:41 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Donovan says Lonzo still not able to run full speed, might be time to back off a little. No telling when he’ll return. #Bulls – 8:41 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Pulp Fiction flows. pic.twitter.com/XO3gZUpgYt – 8:40 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Lonzo Ball not responding well. They may have to back him off and shut him down for a bit. Per Billy. – 8:38 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Billy Donovan on Lonzo Ball: “He has not responded.” Said no setbacks. Just can’t get him to full speed. – 8:38 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
PWill could be up and running as early as Monday against Toronto, per the Billy. – 8:34 PM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Billy Donovan said Monday’s game against Toronto and Tuesday’s game against Milwaukee are real possibilities for Patrick Williams to return to the Bulls’ lineup. – 8:33 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls Head Coach talks Williams, Ball, Caruso and state of the @Chicago Bulls tonight 8:45 CT pre @Chicago Bulls radio network @Audacy @670TheScore – 8:33 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
No setbacks in Patrick Williams’ practice time with Windy City Bulls, Billy Donovan says. Donovan will watch him practice and meet with him when Bulls get back to Chicago tomorrow
They’ll decide tomorrow if Williams will play in WCB’s game Sunday – 8:32 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf joins me at halftime to set the record straight on Tracey McGrady’s contention Michael Jordan would have retired had a proposed deal gone down in 1997 involving Scottie Pippen. Truth is Reinsdorf vetoed a draft day deal with Boston involving Pippen – 8:31 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Patrick Williams has been full go with no setbacks in G League practices, per Billy Donovan. Bulls will decide tomorrow if Williams plays Sunday for Windy City. – 8:31 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Monty Williams said the #Suns “don’t become Chris and Book dimensional when it counts.”
That’s why he’s big on Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges being more involved in the offense to help Chris Paul and Devin Booker. – 8:23 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Jae Crowder out vs Bulls – 8:17 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jae Crowder (sore left groin) OUT tonight vs. #Bulls. #Suns – 8:16 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Jae Crowder is out, per Monty Williams. – 8:15 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams said Jae Crowder is out again tonight, which means Torrey Craig will most likely start again in his place – 8:15 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls ball tonight ⁦@Chicago Bulls⁩ radio ⁦@670TheScore⁩ ⁦@Audacy⁩ 8:45 CT pre pic.twitter.com/OC2isEpT6h – 7:55 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Darius Garland is funhouse mirror Trae Young/Chris Paul and I mean that in the best way possible. – 7:53 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Stephen Curry (foot) will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Based on that timeline, he’ll miss #Suns at #Warriors March 30.
azcentral.com/story/sports/n… – 7:52 PM Ian Begley @IanBegley
Tom Thibodeau begins his press conference by sending condolences to the family of longtime coach and scout Tom Barrise. Barrise, who spent 17 years with the Nets, passed away on Friday. Thibodeau worked with Barrise in Chicago. “Just a great basketball guy,” Thibodeau said. – 6:52 PM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Load Mismanagement w/@jphanned is live @Underdog__NBA
• Embiid in/out???
• Suns/Bulls
• Red-hot Celtics
• Ice-cold Lakers
• LeBron?
• We getting Ja vs. Trae?
• Jokic/Mobley
• Justin’s Fastest 5 minutes
Taking your questions til tipoff!
https://t.co/S1L5CfJmz0 pic.twitter.com/8kiBKdPf8l – 6:30 PM Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
With DeMar DeRozan and three other top scorers gone in the past year, offense was supposed to be an issue for the Spurs this season.
Instead, they are on pace for the highest-scoring season of the Gregg Popovich era.
expressnews.com/sports/spurs/a… via @expressnews – 6:29 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
1st in clutch FG% (56.6)
2nd in clutch 3-point FG% (43.8)
1st in opponent clutch FG% (37.3)
The secret is out.
Read more – 6:03 PM Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Tom Thibodeau started his press conference by giving condolences to the family of Cavaliers scout and former Nets scout Tom Barrise, who passed away today of cancer. Barrise was Thibodeau’s advance scout in Chicago. An extremely friendly, terrific guy. Briefly Nets interim HC. – 5:58 PM Sam Smith @SamSmithHoops
Is this the end for the Bulls or the beginning? Can Coby save them? And why the heck didn’t the Bulls draft Larry Bird? So Ask Sam.
on.nba.com/3u6u7dm – 5:49 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Win BIG each game. Win BIGGER each month!
Download the Suns app and play @efirstbank Bingo every game!
📱: https://t.co/SUbtJJFaQp pic.twitter.com/tfOiQdyYkZ – 5:08 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
“We’ve got to start punching these teams in the mouth.”
The Bulls have been struggling with stagnant first quarters ever since the All-Star break.
Zach LaVine believes hotter starts could help the team shake their current slump: trib.al/jjDqZo2 – 4:59 PM Nikola Vucevic @NikolaVucevic
Let’s go Trojans!!!!! @USC_Hoops – 4:42 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
MRI reveals Stephen Curry suffered a sprained left foot ligament in Wednesday’s game vs. #Celtics, the team announced.
Curry will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Based on that timetable, Curry will miss March 30 game vs. #Suns in San Francisco.
#Warriors 2-1 vs. Suns this season. pic.twitter.com/LJXGWeJXam – 4:40 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Preparations in the Valley. pic.twitter.com/ZpB778IlfN – 4:27 PM