Victor Vembanyama (38 points) air-conditions the United Center!

Nikola Vučević remains frozen for a moment, the United center, the scene of no defeat until now, seems as stunned as he is: after a series of dribbles against the Bulls’ pivot, Victor Vembanyama just made a 3-pointer for the win. And to cap off another glorious NBA night for him, leading the way Spurs to his 8th win of the season (117-121).

This meeting between two surprise teams from the very start of the season kept its promises. While the Spurs presented themselves as favorites in Chicago, the locals defended their country bravely, despite the absence of their best element this year, Josh Giddy, with an ankle injury.

In his place, Kevin Huerter (23 points) was one of the main dynamics of the local attack, along with the former home of the Spurs, Tre Jones, as well as Ayo Dosunma (both 20 points). Chicago, which led for most of the first period but was narrowly ahead going into the locker room (64-63), was able to avoid the score thanks to this game that tilted to the outside.

At the end of the third quarter, Jones decided to take the ball to Huerter from behind the arc who could have given his team three possessions (98-89). The same combination two minutes later, Huerter again, this time in the corner to increase the difference (104-91). The Bulls gave the impression that they had the cards in hand, controlling the tempo of the game.

The bulls resisted until the end

The Texans then tightened their defense and above all had the good idea to use their phenomenon, Victor Vembanyama, in abundance offensively. A 3-pointer, the Frenchman made a number of good decisions, such as denying a game-winning shot to better serve Keldon Johnson under the circle (who would miss, but Luke Cornett would score a dunk).

Despite several long scoreless minutes, the Bulls held a few possessions until the money, while Stephon Castle (19 points and 11 assists) also signed a notable end of the game, in distribution. With less than two minutes to go, Dosunmu made a big winning shot for Chicago (114-109).

Another dunk from Cornet later, again from Castle, “ Wemby » took matters into his own hands: the first big shot from behind the arc with the first intention, then the second in isolation in front of the same victim to restore the advantage to his team. A monster that Kevin Huerter tried to answer, but his ball was about to crash into the circle.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– “Wembi” the capital. In addition to a new offensive eruption with excellent percentages (11/19 on shots including 6/9 from distance, 10/10 on throws), he also recorded 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. For a score of 50. Never before in the history of the league has a player collected 35 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks and 5 awarded shots.

– The Bulls are losing their luster. Once the leaders in the East, Billy Donovan’s men now have a less rosy record (6 wins – 4 losses). After the failure in Milwaukee, then Cleveland, they just suffered their third loss in a row, the first at home. They now only rank 6th in their conference, before going on a road trip (Pistons, Jazz, Nuggets and Blazers).

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=7-pI8hjekzU

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.