Ayo Dosunmu's big night boosts Bulls over Wizards

Field Level Media|published: Sun Mar 17 2024 02:45
Mar 16, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) defends Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during the first quarter at United Center. credits: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Ayo Dosunmu scored a career-high 34 points and handed out nine assists as the Chicago Bulls dominated the first half and never looked back in a 127-98 win over the visiting Washington Wizards on Saturday.

Nikola Vucevic had 29 points and 13 rebounds for Chicago (33-35), which matched its largest margin of victory this season. Alex Caruso had 16 points, Andre Drummond had 13 points and nine rebounds and DeMar DeRozan chipped in 13 points.

Dosunmu was 14-of-22 shooting for Chicago, which won by 20-plus points for just the second time this season. The Bulls routed the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 125-96 on Jan. 20.

Corey Kispert led Washington (11-56) with 16 points while Bilal Coulibaly scored 15. Jordan Poole added 13 points and eight assists and Kyle Kuzma added 11 for the Wizards, who have lost three straight and 19 of their last 21.

Chicago never trailed again after moving ahead 7-6 in the opening minutes. Vucevic scored 16 points in the first quarter to help give the Bulls a 32-19 lead.

The Bulls carried the momentum into the second quarter and stretched its lead to 53-32 on Dosunmu's layup with 6:39 left in the half.

Vucevic and Dosunmu scored 18 points apiece in the first half for Chicago, which led 67-45 at intermission. The Bulls shot 60 percent from the field for the half.

Washington struggled to make a charge in the third and trailed 84-61 after Vucevic scored with 6:02 left in the period.

Chicago took a commanding 95-69 lead into the fourth. Washington used an 11-2 run to pull within 105-90 with 5:02 remaining before Chicago regained control and snapped its three-game home losing streak.

Chicago played without point guard Coby White, who missed his second straight game due to a right hip strain.

Washington was without center Marvin Bagley III (lower back strain), Deni Avdija (right knee contusion), and Tyus Jones (lower back spasms).

—Field Level Media

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