By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Coming back from a 19-point deficit and taking the lead for the first time in crunch time, the Chicago Bulls stunned the San Antonio Spurs, 114-110, in United Center on Monday.
Making 9/22 field goals, including four three-pointers, Victor Wembanyama posted a 23-point, 14-rebound double-double alongside eight blocks and four assists over 34 minutes. However, he went on the wrong end of a spectacular dunk by Coby White to seal the win for the hosts. His side fell to 18-18 in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.
During the pregame warmups, the French rising star also revisited chess talents, playing some moves alongside Jeremy Sochan against Benny the Bull.
Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic connected 10/22 from the field en route to a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double, helping the Bulls jump to 17-19 in the Regular Season. In 33 minutes, he also threw in three assists and one steal. Lithuanian Matas Buzelis missed all of his three shots but recorded one rebound and one assist.
On the losing end, Polish Sochan finished with 11 points behind 5/7 field goals, four rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal. Georgian Sandro Mamukelashvili stayed on the bench and French Sidy Cissoko was on a G League assignment.
Elsewhere, the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Dallas Mavericks, 119-104. With Slovenian Luka Doncic (left calf strain) on the injury list, German Maxi Kleber had four points and two rebounds as a starter in FedExForum. Spanish Santi Aldama (left ankle sprain) was out for the hosts.