KEY POINTS
- The Chicago Bulls matched their third-longest losing streak ever with an 11th consecutive defeat.
- Portland forward Jerami Grant fueled the visitors with 27 points in a narrow victory.
- Rookie Matas Buzelis led Chicago with 20 points during their winless month of February.
The Chicago Bulls faced another difficult night at the United Center on Thursday. The team suffered a 121-112 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in front of a frustrated home crowd. This latest defeat marks the 11th straight loss for the Chicago franchise. The team has failed to secure a single victory during the entire month of February. This slump now ties the third-longest period without a win in the history of the organization.
Portland forward Jerami Grant dominated the scoring for the visiting side. He finished the game with 27 points and made several critical baskets late in the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers utilized their balanced offense to overcome a shorthanded roster. Toumani Camara added 16 points while Robert Williams III recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Portland remained composed despite facing several runs from the desperate Chicago squad.
The game remained competitive for the majority of the evening with 17 lead changes. Chicago held a slim lead early in the first half behind the energy of their young starters. Matas Buzelis continued his strong rookie campaign by scoring a team-high 20 points. Tre Jones also provided a spark off the bench with 19 points for the Bulls. However, the team struggled with 22 turnovers that led directly to 22 points for the Blazers.
Portland began to separate themselves mid-way through the fourth quarter. They built a 15-point lead with just nine minutes remaining on the clock. The Bulls managed to cut the deficit to three points following a powerful dunk by Leonard Miller. Jerami Grant responded immediately with a three-pointer to halt the Chicago momentum. Portland sealed the result at the free-throw line during the final minute of play.
Chicago has not won a game since their victory over Miami on January 31. This extended losing streak has significantly damaged their position in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is currently 0-5 on their seven-game homestand. Injuries to key veterans have forced the coaching staff to rely heavily on inexperienced players. While the young roster shows flashes of potential, they lack the consistency needed to close out games.
The Blazers secured the win despite playing without All-Star Deni Avdija. Portland has now won six of their last nine games to move up the Western Conference table. The victory provides a boost as they continue their road trip through the Eastern Conference. They displayed superior ball movement and capitalized on Chicago’s defensive lapses throughout the second half.
Chicago must now regroup quickly before their next difficult matchup. The team faces a major challenge as they attempt to avoid further history-making losses. The players and staff are under mounting pressure to find a solution to their defensive struggles. For now, the franchise remains stuck in one of its most difficult stretches in decades.
