Bulls make the wrong kind of franchise history in home loss against New Orleans Pelicans

The Bulls got ahead fast, leading the first quarter, 39–37, (the fourth most they have scored in the first quarter this season) but couldn’t seem to hold on as they continue their second-half woes in a 125- 120 loss against the Pelicans.

The Bulls-Pelicans matchup turned into a hot shooting duel as both teams were on fire shooting 49.5 and 52.9 percent for the game respectively. The score was close at the half (65–64 Bulls) but that was as close as it would get. The Bulls literally saw their first-half lead at one point go from 12 points and diminished to one to end the half. The Bulls recovered from a 9-point deficit after the third, bringing the game within 3 points but that was as close as the Bulls would get. The Bulls let the game slip away after the Pelicans went on a 9–0 run. After a 93–85 lead by the Pelicans late into the fourth quarter, they were able to cruise to the victory.

The Bulls, at one point, were 8-of-14 from three for the game early in the second quarter and everything was falling as they were shooting 63 percent from the field. It seemed quite electrifying to say the least. The Bulls as a team have only been averaging 35 percent from three for the season. The Bulls led the first half in fast-break points, 8–0.

Lauri Markkanen led all Bulls finishing the game with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Both Zach and Lauri hit three 3-pointers in the first half. Zach LaVine came out hot in the first half scoring a quick 11 in the first quarter. He finished the first half with 18 points and ended the game with 28. Zach was cold in the second half, at one point he was 1-of-6 shooting early in the fourth. LaVine also had eight rebounds and sixassists. Kris Dunn had an effective 18 points and eight assists. The Bulls played very efficiently, only committing eight turnovers. All of this was not enough to help the Bulls get a win.

The Pelicans had 36 points in the paint in the first half and had over 14 second-chance points to combat the Bulls, but they never led in the first half. The Pelicans stole the lead for the first time within two minutes into the third and never looked back. After the 9:56 point in the third quarter the Bulls weren't able to attain a lead. The Pelicans had six players in double-digit scoring.

The Bulls entered the second half lacking energy starting the third quarter 0 for 6, while the Pelicans continued to attack. The Bulls were only able to score 17 points in the third which truly hurt them.

Julius Randle was the star for New Orleans, scoring 31 points off the bench, he had double digits in the fourth off of 4-of-6 3-point shooting, Holiday was aggressive in the second half, achieving a double-double with 18 points and11 assist. Diallo threw in an extra 18. Jahlil Okafor, a Chicago native, pitched in for the Pelicans with 13 points.

Anthony Davis was cleared to play from a finger injury but he did not play. Anthony Davis was recently fined $50,000 for publicly announcing that he desired to be traded.

Rumors have been sweeping the NBA that Davis would possibly be going to the Lakers in a package deal that included Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Lance Stephenson, along with multiple first and second-round draft picks. The Pelicans front office did not even make the trip for the game tonight as they were all in Nola fielding trade offers for Anthony Davis.

Lakers have been persistent to make the deal happen before the 2 p.m. Thursday deadline but to no avail yet due to Pelicans asking for an arm, a leg, a house, and the kitchen sink. Expect something to come down to the wire because the Pelicans are looking for a very special deal that sets them up great for the long run.

Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker also did not play tonight against the Pelicans as they were literally traded minutes before the game to the Washington Wizards in a deal that included the Bulls acquiring Otto Porter. Bulls also sent a 2023 second-round pick to the Wizards. The trade seems pretty fair on both sides because Bobby would be a restricted free agent this offseason and did not plan on resigning and the Bulls have been looking to dump Parker ever since 2019 started.

Otto Porter comes over to the Bulls along with his huge contract and salary as he is expected to make $28 million next season. Otto Porter Jr. is a nice sized wing that is a good defender and shooter. His numbers are not as great as they were last season but he could definitely be a useful player on this Bulls roster. Otto Porter Jr. was a supreme collegiate player and was a previous third overall pick.

Four Bulls ended the game in double-digit scoring. Robin Lopez finished with 11, and Kris Dunn chipped in with 18 points and 11 assists.

The Pelicans had six players in double-digit scoring and 60 points in the paint as they seemed to have the ball pretty spread out with everyone getting scoring opportunities. Pelicans had a season-high 63 points off of the bench.

In a tough loss for the Bulls who never gave up in the game, they fell to 12–42 for the season with a better chance at Zion.

This is the Bulls’ ninth straight loss at home which matches their franchise record.