Brooklyn rallied to a 112‑109 win over Chicago on Friday, snapping a three‑game road losing streak and forcing a decisive Sunday rematch. Mikal Bridges’ late jumper sealed the game after Michael Porter Jr. tied it with a three‑pointer, while Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 28 points. The victory shifts momentum for both teams as they battle for playoff positioning.
Game Summary
Key Runs and Resilience
The Bulls opened strong, building a 12‑point lead in the first quarter and leading 61‑49 at halftime, thanks to Zach LaVine’s aggressive play and solid contributions from DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vučević. Brooklyn answered in the second half as Mikal Bridges sparked a run with multiple three‑pointers, and rookie Drake Powell added 18 points in the final two quarters. The Nets briefly took the lead at 86‑84 before the Bulls reclaimed it.
In the closing minutes, the lead changed hands five times. With 1:12 left, DeRozan’s layup put Chicago ahead 108‑106. Michael Porter Jr. then hit a contested three‑pointer to tie the game at 109‑109 with 34 seconds remaining. A defensive stop forced a missed shot from Coby White, and Bridges finished the game with a baseline jumper, securing the 112‑109 victory.
Turning Point After a Tough Road Trip
The win is crucial after the Nets dropped three straight road games against teams with a combined 39‑70 record. Coach Jacque Vaughn called the victory “a test of character,” emphasizing the squad’s ability to execute under pressure. Defensive lapses that plagued the recent road stretch appeared corrected, and bench depth proved decisive.
For the Bulls, the loss highlights ongoing struggles to close out tight games despite a strong 28‑13 record at the time. LaVine’s 28 points and DeRozan’s 24 kept Chicago competitive, but fourth‑quarter defensive breakdowns allowed Brooklyn’s comeback.
Sunday Rematch Preview
The teams meet again Sunday night at the United Center. Betting lines list the Nets as 1.5‑point underdogs at -115, with the Bulls at +1.5 at -105. The over/under sits around 221 points, indicating another high‑scoring contest.
Key matchups to watch:
- Bridges and Porter Jr. combined for 34 points on Friday and will be central to Brooklyn’s offense.
- Chicago must contain Brooklyn’s late‑game shooting while feeding LaVine and DeRozan in half‑court sets.
- Drake Powell’s “over 12.5 points” prop looks attractive after his 18‑point outburst.
Playoff Implications
Both clubs sit near the Eastern Conference playoff bubble. A Nets win would push them above .500, easing pressure during the March stretch and validating Vaughn’s tactical adjustments. A Bulls victory would reinforce their top‑six seed aspirations and provide momentum before upcoming games against the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat.
Bottom Line
The 112‑109 Friday showdown showcased Brooklyn’s resilience after a challenging road trip and exposed Chicago’s late‑game vulnerabilities. With the odds nearly even and playoff stakes high, the Sunday rematch promises another electrifying battle that could shape the trajectory of both franchises’ postseason hopes.
