Chicago Bulls face challenges in loss to New Orleans Pelicans

Fourth quarter

The Bulls demonstrated better ball control as time chipped away. The Pelicans had benefitted greatly from these opportunities in the first half.

By the 10-minute mark, LaVine had recorded yet another 20+plus point game. He accomplished this feat rather quietly and efficiently.

To the Bulls’ delight, the Pelicans experienced a bit of a scoring drought at about the midway point of the fourth quarter. The problem is the Pelicans continued to lead the Bulls 116-96 with 4:52 remaining in regulation.

LaVine and the rest of the starters would eventually be sidelined to allow the reserves to close out the game.

Even though it appeared the Pelicans already had the win in the bag, this did not deter Harrison or Adam Mokoka from trying to bridge the gap. Both showed great two-way ability during this stretch of the game.

The Bulls scored in a bit of a hurry trimming the Pelicans’ lead to 123-116 with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation. In doing so, the Pelicans were given a fright as the game became a bit too close for comfort. Things continued to spiral a bit out of hand from this point forward.

The scoreboard read 123-119 after a long, three-point shot made by Arcidiacono.

To the delight of the Bulls, they were able to send Pelicans rookie Jaxson Hayes to the free-throw line for a pair. He missed both shots giving the Bulls a last-minute opportunity to nab a win at home.

Unfortunately, Felicio tipped the ball into the Pelican’s bucket, which ultimately sealed the game after what appeared to be a bit of a comeback rally staged by the Bulls.

With the sound of the final buzzer, the Pelicans beat the Bulls 125-119.