Bulls Defeat Pacers, Extend Winning Streak to Three Games

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls continued their postseason push with a commanding 121-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at the United Center. Josh Giddey led the Bulls with a season-high 29 points and 10 rebounds before leaving the game midway through the fourth quarter due to a right ankle injury.

Coby White also had an impressive performance for Chicago, adding another 29 points, helping the Bulls secure their place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Pacers, who have now lost three consecutive games, were without their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined with a hip issue.

Myles Turner paced Indiana with 15 points, but the team struggled offensively, shooting only 39.6% from the field and 25% from three-point range, making just 10 of 40 attempts.

“We have to find ways to adjust without Tyrese,” Turner said after the game. “It’s a tough situation, but we need to be more aggressive and involved offensively.”

The game started evenly, with both teams tied at 27 points before the Bulls erupted for 40 points in the second quarter, establishing a commanding 67-48 halftime lead. Chicago maintained a double-digit advantage for the remainder of the game.

The Bulls’ performance was highlighted by key contributions from Nikola Vucevic, who recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds for his 195th career double-double, which puts him third in franchise history.

“We needed this win to keep our momentum going,” White said. “We played well as a team and capitalized on our chances.”

With Haliburton out, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle opted to limit the minutes of his starters in the second half as the team prepared for its next game tomorrow against the Milwaukee Bucks.

“Without our top player, we have to find a different rhythm,” Carlisle noted. “It’s a tough loss, but we need to regroup quickly for our next match.”

Looking ahead, the Pacers will face the Bucks, who are currently positioned directly above them in the standings. The Bulls will return to the court to face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.