Chicago Bulls upset Los Angeles Clippers in 109-106 thriller

Third quarter

The Bulls used a bit of the momentum created in the first half to get the team off to a good start heading into the third quarter. During this stretch of time, the Clippers went cold shooting the ball.

The Bulls claimed their first lead of the game just north of the 9-minute mark. The game featured several lead changes throughout regulation, but more on that later.

The Bulls’ lead grew to as many as 14 points just north of the 5-minute mark of the third quarter. Harrell tried to stop the Clippers from bleeding by heading to the free-throw line for a pair of shots in an effort to stage a comeback; he completed them. The Clippers pulled to within 2 points of the Bulls with just south of 2-minutes left in the third quarter.  So often the Bulls have let close games get away.

This time around, it was a different story.

Valentine seemingly didn’t want to let the Clippers to build any momentum heading into the fourth quarter. He took to beyond the arc successfully to complete a three-point shot. Around that time, he also forced a turnover at the other end.

A short time later as the broadcasters pointed out, LaVine was almost subbed out of the game in exchange for point guard Ryan Arcidiacono at a critical point in the game. In a turnaround decision, LaVine would remain on the floor. In doing so, the Bulls maintained a 84-79 lead over the Clippers heading into the fourth quarter.