Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) works toward the basket as Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Minneapolis.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — DeMar DeRozan had 27 points and eight assists and Alex Caruso added 21 points on a season-high seven 3-pointers as the hоt-shooting Chicago Bulls beаt the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-101 on Sunday.
The Bulls recorded 19 points and eight rebounds from Nikola Vucevic, 17 from Coby White, and 13 from Ayo Dosunmu. They made 52.5% of their shоts from the floor, including 58.6% from 3-point range.In addition to 11 rebounds and 22 points to lead the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards was responsible for six of Minnesota’s 14 turnovers. Mike Conley finished with 19 points and seven assists, Rudy Gobert finished with 14 points, and Naz Reid tallied 14 points for the Timberwolves, who were vying for a Western Conference playoff berth.”They were certainly hоt, but I believe we need to a) do a better job of containing the ball and b) close out with a bit more urgency,” said Chris Finch, head coach of the Timberwolves. “Specifically during the first half, I believe we executed an inadequate game plan; therefore, I accept accountability for that. Then, after making the necessary adjustments, we began to resemble ourselves somewhat more on the defensive.
However, they had already seen all of their bullets go in by that point, so that team is assured when such an event transpires.It was not only his gunshot that had an effect on Caruso. On defense, he limited Edwards to 0 for 5 from beyond the arc, in addition to contributing five assists, five rebounds, and five steаls. Edwards was leading scorer for Minnesota.DeRozan exclaimed, “Strongly blessed to have such a teammate.” “It is a testament to his greatness, as well as the mentality and spirit he entered the game with, that he carried us tonight, doing what he did on both ends of the floor.”In the third quarter, Minnesota fell behind by16 points. Gobert’s three-point attempt with 5:21 remaining gave the Wolves a 98-96 lead as they fought back. A 9-0 run comprised of that occurrence energized the crowded Target Center audience.Conversely, DeRozan restored the Bulls’ lead with a three-pointer after committing a steаl and a transition layup.With 2:03 remaining, the Bulls led 106-99 after Caruso made his seventh three-pointer and White scored on a fast break.DeRozan addressed Minnesota’s surge in the second half, stating, “We anticipated it.” “They currently hold the leading position in the Western Conference,” That was in no way going to disrupt our cadence. “We maintained our composure, performed admirably once they seized the initiative, and maintained the lead thereafter.”
While the Bulls shot 65% as a team and claimed a 33-22 lead after one quarter, Caruso was on fire in the first quarter, converting all four of his 3-point attempts.A 12-point run capped by Vucevic’s set shot, turnaround jumper, and 3-pointer propelled the Bulls ahead 52-36, after Minnesota had reduced the deficit to six early in the second quarter. Chicago held a 64-54 halftime lead after DeRozan tallied nine points in the final three minutes of the section.Thursday’s statement by Minnesota owner Glen Taylor that Alex Rodriguez and Mark Lore failed to meet the deadline to acquire a majority stake in the franchise effectively halted rumors of the team’s sale. It was the Vikings’ first home game since then.On Sunday, Taylor and his spouse, Becky, were prde seats; however, Rodriguez and Lore abstained from attendance.Rodriguez and Lore were not present on Sunday; however, Taylor and his wife, Becky, were present from their customary courtside seats.
