Windy City Can't Keep up with Cruise
November 18, 2021 - NBA G League (G League)
Windy City Bulls News Release
The Windy City Bulls, presented by BMO, the NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, ran out of gas against the Motor City Cruise in a 111-103 loss at NOW Arena on Thursday, Nov. 18. The Bulls were led by the dynamic duo of Devon Dotson and Daniel Oturu with 25 points apiece.
The Cruise started off well - in large part due to 10 first-quarter points from Cheick Diallo - and held a 31-26 lead after the opening period. The Bulls found success moving the ball in the first quarter, registering 10 assists on their 11 made shots.
Oturu got going in the second quarter for Windy City, scoring nine points and helping the Bulls outscore the Cruise 28-19 in the period to take a four-point lead into halftime. The big man from the University of Minnesota was active on both ends, swatting a pair of Motor City shots in the period.
The Cruise quickly erased their halftime deficit behind a strong third quarter showing. Motor City outscored Windy City 36-19 in the period to take a commanding 13-point lead over the Bulls heading into the final 12 minutes.
Motor City's lead ballooned to 17 points early in the fourth quarter, but Windy City battled back to get within seven points in the final minutes of the game. Dotson and Oturu scored 13 and 12 points in the fourth quarter, respectively, to help keep Windy City within striking distance. The Bulls' comeback attempt ultimately came up short, falling to the Cruise 111-103.
Windy City's Ethan Thompson followed up his 29-point outing against the Cruise on Nov. 17 with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists tonight. Elijah Thomas again came off the bench to provide a spark for the Bulls, scoring 10 and snagging four rebounds.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Cruise, led by 21-point performances from Diallo and Jamorko Pickett. However, the Bulls held Saben Lee in check for the second night in a row. The guard from Vanderbilt University came into the series with the Bulls averaging a league-high 37.7 points, but he only managed 13 points in the Cruise's win tonight.
With the loss, the Bulls fall to 1-5 on the season, while Motor City improves to 3-2 for the year.
The Bulls are back in action at NOW Arena on Sunday, Nov. 21 against the Grand Rapids Gold for Community Heroes Night. First responders will be honored at the game, and there will be police and fire department vehicles on display. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on NBAGLeague.com.
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