For about a quarter and a half on Wednesday night, the Chicago Bulls looked like a completely different team. They hit 10 of their first 12 three-pointers, led 41–29 after the first quarter and were up 64–42 midway through the second. It was their biggest lead of the season. Then the San Antonio Spurs remembered who they are, and Chicago lost 124–119.
The turnaround started right after halftime. San Antonio opened the third quarter on an 18–3 run, forcing five Bulls turnovers along the way, and then closed the game with an 11–2 burst in the fourth. Victor Wembanyama led the way with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks two days after he dropped 40 on Phoenix. Second-year guard Dylan Harper had a big all-around night with 18 points, 10 assists, and 4 steals, while De'Aaron Fox added 17 points and 9 assists.
The numbers around this team are getting a little silly. That's 10 wins in a row; the Spurs are 10–2 and a perfect 6–0 on the road, and they wrapped up a four-game road trip without a loss. Two seasons ago, people were asking when Wemby would turn the Spurs into winners. That question looks answered.
Chicago is heading the other way. Jalen Smith tied his career high with 23 points, and Nic Claxton added 17 off the bench, but the Bulls have now lost eight straight and sit at 1–9. Rookie Caleb Wilson scored 15 points in just 15 minutes before leaving in the third quarter with a right-hand injury, a concern for a young player who already dealt with hand problems in college.
Around the league, the Lakers beat Milwaukee for their seventh straight win to reach 11–2, and the Bucks fell to 1–11.
