Bulls overpower Raptors 122-106, snapping their win streak in a commanding performance.© (@BullNationCHI )
The Chicago Bulls ended the Toronto Raptors’ season-high five-game winning streak with a commanding 122-106 victory at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night. Coby White led the charge with a game-high 25 points, while Nikola Vucevic contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds to secure the win. The Raptors, who had won seven of their last nine games, struggled to keep pace with Chicago’s three-point shooting, as the Bulls connected on 18 shots from beyond the arc compared to Toronto’s 10.
Scottie Barnes delivered a strong performance for the Raptors, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. RJ Barrett added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Immanuel Quickley returned after an eight-game absence due to a left hip strain, scoring 14 points in just 15 minutes of action. Despite their efforts, Toronto faltered in the second half, allowing Chicago to pull away.
Josh Giddey added 15 points for the Bulls, while Jalen Smith and Matas Buzelis provided key contributions off the bench with 17 and 12 points, respectively. The Bulls held a narrow 30-27 lead after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 55-50 at halftime, fueled by a strong 9-for-21 shooting display from beyond the arc. Chicago, which ranks second in the NBA in three-point field goals made this season, maintained its efficiency from long range, making a decisive impact in the second half.
The game’s turning point came midway through the third quarter when RJ Barrett briefly put Toronto ahead 64-63 with 7:17 remaining. In response, Chicago mounted an 18-4 run to reclaim control and never looked back. Despite their loss, the Raptors secured their first winning month since November 2023, finishing January with an 8-7 record.
Zach LaVine missed his second consecutive game for the Bulls due to personal reasons, fueling speculation that he may be on the move ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Meanwhile, Quickley’s return to the Raptors’ lineup highlighted Toronto’s ongoing injury concerns. He has only recreated 10 games this season, and the team is struggling to a 1-9 record in those matchups.
Looking ahead, the Raptors will host Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, while the Bulls travel to face the Detroit Pistons, aiming to build on their momentum.