DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points and Nikola Vucevic added 22 points with 12 rebounds to help the Chicago Bulls defeat the Indiana Pacers 125-99 on Wednesday night, ending a three-game losing streak.
Coby White also contributed 18 points for Chicago, which won three out of four games against Indiana this season.
Although all five starters for Chicago scored in double digits, the focus of this win was on defense. The typically high-scoring Pacers were held to under 100 points for the first time this season, with their previous lowest score being 101 against Boston back in January.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan praised his team’s defensive effort, highlighting their cohesion and support for each other on that end of the floor. The Pacers, known for their offensive prowess, were limited to shooting just 40%, while the Bulls shot 50% in a game marked by occasional sloppiness.
Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 18 points as they wrapped up a five-game road trip with a 3-2 record, maintaining their sixth-place position in the Eastern Conference standings.
Despite the loss, Indiana couldn’t find their rhythm offensively, struggling to convert their shots.
Chicago effectively contained Pascal Siakam, who had been on a scoring tear in previous games, holding him to just 14 points. Siakam acknowledged his team’s lack of energy and urgency, attributing their offensive struggles to the Bulls’ defensive pressure.
Ayo Dosunmu contributed 17 points on efficient shooting, while Andre Drummond provided a double-double off the bench with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bulls took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Pacers and building a commanding 64-43 halftime lead. Vucevic led the charge with 15 first-half points, fueling Chicago’s surge.
Although the Pacers mounted a comeback in the second half, cutting the deficit to single digits at one point, the Bulls responded with timely baskets from DeRozan, Drummond, and Dosunmu to maintain their lead.
Looking ahead, Bulls coach Billy Donovan provided updates on injured players Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Lonzo Ball, suggesting they could join the team for rehab in Chicago starting next Monday.
