Bulls hang on against Magic for 105-101 win

[February 13, 2018]  Zach LaVine scored the go-ahead basket with 12.4 seconds to go, and the Chicago Bulls recovered from a fourth-quarter collapse to earn a 105-101 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday night at the United Center.

The score was tied at 101 when LaVine stole an inbounds pass from Jonathon Simmons and raced across halfcourt for a breakaway dunk. Magic guard Mario Hezonja missed a deep 3-point attempt on the next possession, and LaVine made a pair of free throws to seal the outcome.

Chicago led by 18 points with 8:23 remaining in the fourth quarter before Orlando stormed back with a 23-3 run to grab a 98-96 lead with 3:11 to go. Hezonja, who sparked the comeback bid with 14 points in the fourth quarter, finished with 24 points to lead the Magic.

Rookie forward Lauri Markkanen scored 21 points on 9-for-19 shooting to lead the Bulls. LaVine finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Forward Bobby Portis contributed 19 points off the bench.

Chicago earned its second win in the past three games. The Bulls improved to 13-15 on their home court, compared with 7-21 on the road.

Magic forward Evan Fournier finished with 22 points on 9-for-16 shooting. Fournier has scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games and 21 times overall this season.

Simmons added 14 points for Orlando, which has lost back-to-back games after winning the previous three.

 

Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Orlando Magic during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago opened up a 93-75 lead after Denzel Valentine sank a pair of free throws. Orlando stormed back behind the hot hand of Hezonja, who hit a jump shot and a pair of 3-pointers to give the Magic the lead.

The Bulls established a 53-51 advantage at halftime. Markkanen led the team with 13 points in the first half.

Bulls guard Kris Dunn missed his 11th game in a row as he continues to recover from concussion-like symptoms. Dunn has returned to practice and could be available Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors.

The Magic played without Aaron Gordon (hip), Nikola Vucevic (hand), Jonathan Isaac (ankle) and Terrence Ross (knee). Gordon recently withdrew from the NBA's upcoming slam dunk contest because of his injury.

--Field Level Media

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