The year ended the same way for the Chicago Bulls as it began: holding their breath, waiting for a shot to fall.
Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan puts up the potential game-winning shot in the final seconds against the Cavaliers on Saturday at the United Center. The shot didn't fall, and the Bulls lost 103-102.
But unlike last year’s crisp arc through the net, this year’s shot bounced slightly off the mark, rattling across the rim as the Bulls fell 103-102 at the United Center.Javonte Green carried the Bulls offense in the first half with 12 points, netting the only Bulls 3-pointer of the half and slamming down a thunderous one-handed dunk. Green threw himself into the teeth of the Cavaliers defense, earning the first five free throws of the night for the Bulls. He did not score in the second half.
After consecutive games with a 40-point performance from DeRozan and Zach LaVine, respectively, the Bulls had a more well-rounded offense against the Cavaliers. Six players scored 11 points or more: DeRozan had 21, LaVine 15 and Ayo Dosunmu 19.The Bulls were completely outmatched in secondary opportunities, coughing up 25 second-chance points while scoring only two.