AN overwhelming defensive effort powered the host Chicago Bulls to their first 3-0 start in five years after a 97-82 win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
The Bulls held the Pistons to just 15 points in the second quarter, then 11 in the third, to build a commanding lead despite enduring their own shooting woes.
Chicago shot just 35-of-84 (41.7 percent) from the floor, including 6-of-18 from Zach LaVine on a 14-point night. Chicago compensated for the quiet night from its star scorer with a balanced performance. Six Bulls scored in double figures, led by DeMar DeRozan’s game-high 21 points.
Detroit compounded its turnover issues with a woeful 34-of-88 (38.6 percent) shooting performance from the field, including 5-of-28 from beyond the 3-point arc. Trey Lyles made three of the Pistons’ 3-pointers, providing some spark off the bench and finishing with 12 points.
Lyles was one of only three Pistons to score in double-figures, joining Kelly Olynyk with 10 points and Saddiq Bey with a team-high 20. Bey also grabbed 16 rebounds.
In other games, it was the Cavs 101, Hawks 95; Bucks 121, Spurs 111; Mavs 103, Raptors 95; Pacers 102, Heat 91 (OT); Timberwolves 96, Pelicans 89; Grizzlies 120, Clippers 114; and Blazers 134, Suns 105.
Cavaliers 101, Hawks 95
Ricky Rubio scored 23 points and lifted Cleveland to its first win of the season, a victory over visiting Atlanta.
Rubio was 9-for-15 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and added six rebounds and eight assists to help the Cavs stop their season-opening two-game losing streak. The Cavs have won six of their last seven against the Hawks in Cleveland.
Atlanta suffered through a poor shooting night and made only 10 of 34 from deep. Trae Young scored 24 points– 15 in the first half– but was only 1-for-6 from 3-point range and had trouble getting his famed floater to fall. Cam Reddish came off the bench to score 19. — Field Level Media
