Chicago’s 41-point opening quarter has put the 1-8 Bulls in command against the 9-2 Spurs.
Chicago set the tone with 41 points in the first quarter and carried a 70-56 lead into halftime after edging San Antonio 29-27 in the second. Jalen Smith has 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 from deep, while Matas Buzelis has added 13. De’Aaron Fox leads the Spurs with 17 points, and Victor Wembanyama has 15 points, four rebounds and three blocks. The 14-point gap is striking: San Antonio entered 9-2 and No. 1 in the power index, while Chicago was 1-8 and No. 27. After the break, watch whether Wembanyama’s rim protection and Fox’s scoring can spark a Spurs push—and whether Chicago can keep its hot shooting going.
Key Performers
Jalen Smith (Bulls): 17 points, 6-for-7 FG, 3-for-3 from three De’Aaron Fox (Spurs): 17 points, 6 assists Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks