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Kris Dunn did it: Chicago Bulls defeat Charlotte Hornets

By Dru Berry

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 17: Tip off between the Charlotte Hornets and the Chicago Bulls on November 17, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 17: Tip off between the Charlotte Hornets and the Chicago Bulls on November 17, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls used a 40 point fourth quarter to take down the Charlotte Hornets for their third win of the season. The Bulls offense cracked 100 points for the first time in three games and finally looked not anemic.

That’s not much of a statement, but at this point we’ll take it.

I’d almost say the offense looked crisp, but the Hornets aren’t exactly world beaters so I won’t get ahead of myself.

First quarter

The Bulls started this game with a basket! Denzel Valentine went backdoor and Robin Lopez found him for a nice layup to start the game. Chicago scored 26 points in the first quarter, breaking a two game streak of only managing 16 points in the first.

Justin Holiday – here for all the shots- scored nine points on 3-for-5 shooting and Robin Lopez absolutely stifled Dwight Howard on the defensive end. Howard finished the quarter 1-for-4 from the field with two turnovers and RoLo was there to contest every ill-advised post up he took.

End of first quarter: Charlotte 27 – Chicago 26

Second quarter

The Kris Dunn show began to take form in the second quarter.

Dunn was an absolute beast on defense all game long, essentially harassing Malik Monk off the court and making live difficult for Kemba Walker. But we’ll get to more of Dunn’s exploits later on.

Our savior Lauri Markkanen also put on a show in the second quarter. Lauri showed his off the bounce game and even got post position – and was found – for a layup.

Markkanen finished the first half with 14 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting (3-for-5 from 3).

End of second quarter: Charlotte 60 – Chicago 60

Third quarter

Kemba Walker was a man on a mission the whole night and he controlled the third quarter. Walker tallied 13 points in the third and wrapped up the quarter with back to back 3s to stretch the Hornets lead to nine.

The Bulls struggled, but Denzel Valentine showed some flashes. Valentine had a solid game, scoring 18 points and dishing out six assists. He also airballed a 3 and threw up some bricks, but found open shooters for corner 3s.

Valentine sprinkled two 3s among three assists in the third quarter.

End of third quarter: Charlotte: 92 – Chicago 83

Fourth quarter

The fourth quarter, or, where Kris Dunn did it. Dunn continued his hounding defense while turning into Russell Westbrook from midrange. Dunn scored 13 of his career-high 22 points in the fourth quarter, snaking his way to midrange jumpers off the P&R.

Six of Dunn’s seven assists came in the fourth and he was the sparkplug for everything Chicago did. His ability to anticipate this pass kick-started the fastbreak that put the Bulls ahead.

Walker had a nice look to win the game for the Hornets, but our savior Markkanen slid over to make things more difficult and Cardiac Kemba could not convert for what would have been his 48th and 49th points of the night.

Final score: Charlotte 120 – Chicago 123

Drive home safely.

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