By Josh Canlas Tolentino, EBC Sports International
CHICAGO (Eagle News) – Kemba Walker scored a game-high 47 points, but couldn’t convert when it mattered most, missing the potential game-winning layup with less than 10 seconds left.
The Chicago Bulls went on to win, 123-120, Friday evening at the United Center, handing the Hornets their sixth straight loss. The Bulls’ 123 points mark a season-high.
“We’re not insync,” said Walker, who finished with 47 points, six rebounds and five assists. “It’s just bad honestly, especially down the stretch when it matters the most.”
The Hornets were outscored 40 to 28 in the fourth quarter.
“We’re not doing the things we have to do,” Walker said. “It’s been killing us.”
With 10.6 seconds remaining and the Hornets down by one, Walker split a double team and drove down an open lane. Only Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen stood between Walker and the basket. Markkanen utilized his 7-foot, 238-pound frame to force Walker to adjust his shot and the ball rimmed out.
Markkanen then sinked two free throws to ice the game and the Hornets missed a half-court heave as time expired. Markkanen finished with 16 points and seven rebounds.
“I’m proud of the guys for going out there and playing with great confidence,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We needed this one in a bad way to generate some confidence for our players. Everybody that stepped on the floor made a contribution and that’s what it’s all about.”
Not much defense was played by both teams. The Bulls shot 51.6 percent (47 of 91) from the field compared to the Hornets 51.9 percent (42 of 81), while Chicago made half of its three point shots (17 of 34).
“We just don’t have an identity, we have no defensive identity,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. “That’s what wins in this league: playing smart, playing together, playing with a purpose … That’s what I dictate. We do none of that. I’ve got to help them out.”
Justin Holiday scored a team-high 22 points, but Kris Dunn was the star for the Bulls (3-10). Dunn came off the bench and scored a career-high 22 points on 10 of 16 shooting, including 2 of 2 from three. Dunn added five rebounds, seven assists and committed only one turnover.
“That’s huge growth for Kris Dunn,” Hoiberg said. “He went out there and made the right play darn near every time he had the ball in his hands. Really overall solid performance from Kris, certainly something he can build on.”
The Hornets (5-9) hope to end their six-game skid when they host the Los Angeles Clippers 6 p.m. CT Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Bulls trek out west for their longest road trip of the season – four games beginning with a trip to Phoenix on Sunday. Tipoff against the Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena is set for 7 p.m. CT.
“To play together and win a game, it just feels good to be that way,” Holiday said. “It was a lot of fun. Hopefully, we can continue to capitalize on this and continue to play together.” (Eagle News)