Gary Trent Jr. led the Toronto Raptors with 24 points, and Bruce Brown contributed 19 points and seven rebounds, ending the team’s five-game losing streak with a 118-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls during Tuesday’s NBA action.
Jordan Nwora added an impactful 17 points off the bench, and Dennis Schroder supplied 16 points alongside 10 assists as the Raptors overcame a 16-point deficit in the second quarter to secure the win.
DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points for the Bulls, who have now faced losses in three of their last four games. The Raptors made a significant comeback late in the third quarter, with Nwora’s four-point play marking the turning point that gave Toronto an 83-82 lead, eventually extending their advantage.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors, DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls Updates
Newly acquired Bruce Brown, praised by veteran Thaddeus Young for his seamless integration and valuable play, played a key role in the Raptors’ turnaround. Nwora’s performance off the bench was also highlighted as crucial to the team’s success.
“Bruce is a basketball player. He knows how to play. And that’s what you want on your team. You want guys who know how to play, who know how to make reads, goes out there and be a glue guy, just jumps into the system. He hasn’t played with us very long, but it’s like he’s been here for the whole season,” said Young.
The Raptors increased their lead to 102-94 in the fourth quarter, but the Bulls, led by DeRozan, narrowed the gap. However, Toronto’s strategic defense, including trapping DeRozan, led to critical turnovers and secured their lead.
“I think that’s what we rushed through. I think I had five turnovers. I had a couple of turnovers critical late. I think AC (Alex Caruso) had one when we tried to make a run to get back in the game,” DeRozan said. “We got to be more conscious and take care of the ball a little bit better.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors, DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls Updates
Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic commended Thaddeus Young not only for his on-court contributions, which included 16 points, but also for his leadership off the court. The Raptors’ defensive strategy forced the Bulls into 17 turnovers, underlining areas for improvement for Chicago.
“I can speak about Thad Young for the whole night. It’s not just what he does on the court. It’s everything he does off the court as well,” Rajakovic said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors, DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls Updates
Due to injuries, Toronto played without key starters RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poeltl, yet managed to clinch the win. Trent’s early scoring spree wasn’t enough to prevent a halftime deficit, but the team rallied to overcome the Bulls.
The Bulls’ Patrick Williams is sidelined due to a foot injury, with an expected absence of at least two more weeks. The team hopes for his return after the All-Star break.
Looking forward, the Raptors will continue their road trip against the Houston Rockets, while the Bulls are set to face the Charlotte Hornets in their next game.
