Ayo Dosunmu's Surprise Night Leads Bulls Past Hornets

CHICAGO, IL - The Charlotte Hornets fell to the Chicago Bulls, 114-98 on Thursday night, officially dropping the first two games of this three-game road trip.

Charlotte's starting five had a good start to the game, seeing the ball go through the bottom of the net on seven of their first 11 field goal attempts in what was a balanced attack. LaMelo Ball made sure to spread the wealth, dishing out five assists in the opening frame. Once head coach Steve Clifford turned to his bench, the Hornets' offense went through a bit of a dry spell, resulting in a 10-0 run by Chicago. Thanks to a pair of threes from JT Thor and Terry Rozier, the Hornets closed the gap with a 9-2 run in the final two minutes.

Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu got off to a blistering start, punching in a 14-point outing in the first. In the second quarter, it was Andre Drummond who didn't play in either of the two previous matchups with Charlotte, that created a boost of energy. He notched six points, seven rebounds (four offensive) in just five minutes.

Charlotte rookie big man, Mark Williams battled back and forth with Drummond and was a big part in the Hornets keeping it close at the half with seven points, three boards, and had a pair of blocks.

The Hornets trailed by four, 53-49, at the midway point but they dug themselves a hole in the opening minutes of the third on the defensive end allowing a 10-0 run by the Bulls. Following a timeout by Clifford, Rozier went on a mini 7-0 run by himself but Chicago managed to keep a 12-15-point stiff arm. 

Although shots were hard to come by, the Hornets battled their way back to make it seven-point game with just a few minutes left. The game was put on ice by DeMar DeRozan at the free throw line following two technical fouls on LaMelo Ball for arguing a clear foul that was not called on a layup attempt. 

Charlotte will be back in action tomorrow night in Detroit to take on the Pistons. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.

1ST: CHI 31-29

CHA: 11/20 FG | 5/9 3FG | 4 REB | 8 AST | 4 TO | 8 PIP

CHI: 11/18 FG | 3/7 3FG | 8 REB | 8 AST | 5 TO | 14 PIP

2ND: CHI 53-49

CHA: 20/40 FG | 6/18 3FG | 16 REB | 13 AST | 9 TO | 20 PIP

CHI: 20/39 FG | 4/11 3FG | 20 REB | 13 AST | 8 TO | 30 PIP

3RD: CHI 85-70

CHA: 28/64 FG | 7/28 3FG | 30 REB | 17 AST | 13 TO | 34 PIP

CHI: 31/61 FG | 8/21 3FG | 31 REB | 18 AST | 10 TO | 44 PIP

4TH: CHI wins 114-98

CHA: 39/93 FG | 7/35 3FG | 45 REB | 19 AST | 15 TO | 56 PIP

CHI: 41/79 FG | 11/28 3FG | 40 REB | 24 AST | 14 TO | 54 PIP