PLAYER GRADES: Chicago Bulls 108, Philadelphia 76ers 107
By Sam Coltrane
The Philadelphia 76ers blew a 10-point in the fourth quarter as Zach LaVine hit the final-second shot for the Chicago Bulls
The Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls were both traveling on the second night of back-to backs.
The game was even throughout the first half with the score tied at 30-30 at the end of the first quarter and 57-57 at the conclusion of the first half. Both teams were trading baskets with neither taking a sizable lead.
The game continued to remain close as Philadelphia entered the fourth quarter with only a four-point lead, 86-82.
A pair of Ben Simmons free throws with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter pushed Philadelphia’s lead to 10 points. From there, Chicago closed the game out on an 18-7.
In only a 2:20 span, Chicago had evaporated Philadelphia’s lead and tied the game at 98 a piece behind a Zach LaVine layup. From there, the teams traded baskets until the score was 105 each with just under 47 seconds remaining.
A Robin Lopez free throw gave Chicago a one-point which was then followed by a clutch late-game drive by Jimmy Butler where he was fouled and connected on both free throws to push the lead to 107-106 with 4.8 seconds remaining. The game-winner came from LaVine, who Butler and Mike Scott both switched off of and gave him the lane to seal the victory for Chicago as he made the layup to bring his point total to 39.
Philadelphia’s blown lead pushed them out of evening their record with the three-seeded Indiana Pacers.
B+. <strong>35 mins | 22 pts | 3 reb | 4 ast | 3 stl | 0 blk | 2 TO | 8-18 FG | 0-1 3PT| 6-7 FT | 1 PF | +7 |</strong><p>It wasn’t a perfect game for Butler. However, had the defense not collapsed in the final seconds the conversation would be about Butler closing out another game for Philadelphia. Butler continued his play of operating within the offense, filling the stat sheet, and trying to win the game late. Fans will look for Butler to continue to attack more, but tonight’s loss certainly can’t be put entirely on him.</p>. SF. Philadelphia 76ers. JIMMY BUTLER
PG. Philadelphia 76ers. BEN SIMMONS. B-. <strong>35 mins | 18 pts | 11 reb | 7 ast | 4 stl | 0 blk | 5 TO | 7-14 FG | 0-0 3PT| 4-5 FT | 3 PF | -5 |</strong><p>Simmons filled the stat sheet and shot 50 percent from the field, but he also had five turnovers. The game tonight was another example that leaves fans waiting for Simmons to take that next step to superstardom. Again, his counting numbers were there, but his overall impact left more to be desired.</p>
C-. <strong>36 mins | 13 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 3 TO | 5-13 FG | 1-2 3PT| 2-2 FT | 2 PF | -5 |</strong><p>The final statistics clearly indicate that this was one of Harris’ weakest performances in a Philadelphia uniform. While his counting numbers are certainly minimal compared to his season averages, there is something to be said of his consistent hustle, floor spacing, and attitude. The latter two elements were really the only saving graces from a potentially lower grade.</p>. PF. Philadelphia 76ers. TOBIAS HARRIS
B. <strong>20 mins | 9 pts | 8 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 1 blk | 2 TO | 3-4 FG | 1-2 3PT| 2-4 FT | 1 PF | +12 |</strong><p>The Sixer Sense hasn’t always been the kindest to Johnson this past year. However, credit does need to be given. Johnson isn’t and never should be a legitimate player for Philadelphia, but his near double-double in only 20 minutes of action with a team best +/- must be recognized. In the last two nights, Johnson has played well enough to earn second looks if <a rel=. C. Philadelphia 76ers. AMIR JOHNSON
<strong>17 mins | 11 pts | 7 reb | 0 ast | 0 stl | 2 blk | 0 TO | 5-7 FG | 1-2 3PT| 0-0 FT | 0 PF | -8 |</strong><p>Ennis hasn’t been a consistent performer since acquired from the Houston Rockets. Tonight, though, he put together one of his better performances. He shot efficiently attacking the basket with one thunderous dunk and contributed on the other end with two blocks. Philadelphia’s bench has been their Achilles heel all year, but performances like Ennis’ last night at least inspires hope for the playoffs.</p>. SF. Philadelphia 76ers. JAMES ENNIS III. C+
Next. Ranking the Sixers post-trade deadline. dark
Philadelphia will look to bounce back as they face Friday as they face the Houston Rockets in primetime on ESPN.