Scoot Henderson Leads Trail Blazers to Victory Over Struggling Bulls

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Scoot Henderson scored 25 points to help the Portland Trail Blazers snap a five-game losing streak with a 113-102 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night. The Bulls, led by DeMar DeRozan‘s 27 points, extended their losing streak to five games.

Portland took control in the second half, stretching its lead to 97-82 on a 3-pointer by Henderson with 7:36 remaining. Despite a late push by the Bulls, including a dunk that brought them within 110-102 with 1:26 left, Henderson sealed the win with a layup to end the threat.

Shaedon Sharpe, coming off the bench after being told by coach Chauncey Billups that his defense needed improvement, contributed 23 points. “I just wanted to bring energy and help the team,” Sharpe said after the game.

The Bulls had led by as many as 15 points in the first half, but Henderson’s back-to-back 3-pointers narrowed the gap to 43-42. Portland tied the game at 45 on another 3-pointer and entered halftime tied at 53.

In the second half, the Trail Blazers surged ahead, building a 65-57 lead on a 3-pointer by Deni Avdija, who finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The Bulls briefly tied the game at 75 but couldn’t regain the lead.

Chicago was without key players Zach LaVine (right thigh contusion), Alex Caruso (illness), and Patrick Williams (personal reasons). Portland also faced absences, with Anfernee Simons sidelined due to a right elbow strain, though Avdija and Jerami Grant (lower back) were available.

A pivotal moment came when Henderson grabbed a defensive rebound, sprinted downcourt, and dished to Sharpe for a layup, giving the Blazers an 87-77 lead heading into the final quarter.

Despite the win, Portland finished its homestand with a disappointing 1-4 record. The Bulls will face the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, while the Trail Blazers travel to Miami to play the Heat on Tuesday.