Desmond Bain pushes Bulls into ‘money time’

Chicago and Orlando are at a crossroads, between the Bulls who are suffering after a good start to the season and a Magic team that has been slow to start but is gradually recovering despite the absence of Paolo Banchero. The Floridians picked up their sixth win in their last seven games tonight after a tough fight against Billy Donovan’s troops.

Chicago was almost always in the game, ending the first half on an 11-2 run thanks to an already unsustainable Tre Jones to stay in touch at halftime (53-53). Then came a 9-0 run that was started and capped by Josh Giddy’s 3-pointer to put Chicago at +8 (54-62). A Jones-Buzelis-Vucevic three-pointer allowed the Bulls to stay on course until Tre Jones’ three-pointer made it 83-73 in Chicago’s favor. It was at this moment that Orlando started its rebellion, with a 12-2 run at the end of the third quarter, a series marked by 2+1 of the elusive Anthony Black, a three-pointer by Desmond Bain and the tying basket by Noah Penda (85-85).

Orlando still had to hold out before turning the match around, especially thanks to the brilliant moves of Anthony Black, but also the recital of the freed Desmond Bain. The guard scored four points before hitting a 3-pointer to give his team the lead again, this time for good (112-111). Orlando’s defense then made the difference in the finals against Anthony Black, Wendell Carter Jr. twice and the still valuable Desmond Bain, between his 3/3 shooting, his decisive pass to Franz Wagner and the final drive that helped seal the victory, 125-120.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Desmond Bane at the right temperature. New outing with 37 points on the clock, shot 12/17! Above all, he brought Orlando out of its sluggishness after a 3/13 first half from distance. His surge in power began midway through the third quarter and allowed the Magic to hang on and force a decision, until those final two free throws sealed the game’s fate.

Great piece by Noah Penda. Eleven short minutes, but excellent activity, to play for the good of the team without neglecting the opportunities that arose. Noah Penda especially shone in an important moment of the match, when Orlando gradually took over. He’s the one in particular who goes for the rebound after Goga Bitadza’s counter on Matas Bouzelis, allowing Desmond Bane to score a valuable three-pointer in the process. Then he tied the game at 85-85 with a layup to end the third quarter, before hitting a 3-pointer to start the final act. A great visit after not seeing him with Magic for a week.

From the dump to Chicago. More injuries for Chicago! There were plenty of breakdowns for the Bulls during the game, between a knee-to-knee clash between Wendell Carter Jr. and Nikola Vucevic and Tre Jones’ sprained ankle after colliding with Jalen Suggs. But the two made it back to the field, where Kevin Huerter quickly had to retire. Hit in the adductors, the shooter remained on the field for only six minutes before being sent back to the locker room.

Tre vs Tius. Last night, the Jones brothers met again, and it can be said that little brother Tre won the fratricidal duel against Tyus. A constant threat to Florida’s defense, Tre Jones returned 20 points on 7/10 shooting, where Tyus Jones was much more discreet with 6 assists in 20 minutes for zero points. No doubt they’ll take solace in a Magic win…

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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; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.