Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic return from injuries in Bulls' victory
In his first game back after missing the past 17 games due to inflammation in his right foot, Zach LaVine scores 15 points.
CHICAGO — Coby White had 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and the Chicago Bulls welcomed back Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic with a 104-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
DeMar DeRozan contributed 17 points for Chicago, a team that had experienced three losses in their last four games. Meanwhile, Andre Drummond achieved his sixth game in a row with double-figure rebounds, securing 10 rebounds.
In his first game since Nov. 28, LaVine played almost 30 minutes and scored 15 points. Meanwhile, Vucevic, playing as a reserve for 25 minutes, scored 11 points and made seven rebounds.
LaVine missed 17 games due to right foot inflammation, while Vucevic was absent from the last five games because of a strained left adductor.
LaVine and Vucevic made a return, but Alex Caruso was a last-minute omission for Chicago due to a sore neck.
Bridges netted 28 points for the Hornets, concluding a 1-5 road trip. Terry Rozier contributed 15 points despite shooting 5-for-17, while Cody Martin added 13 points.
Chicago distanced themselves by starting the fourth quarter with a 16-4 run. Ayo Dosunmu hit a 3-pointer and added another basket, while DeRozan completed a three-point play to increase the lead to 90-73 with 7:41 remaining.
LaVine asserted his dominance towards the end of the first half. He executed a breakaway dunk and then a 3-pointer, providing the Bulls with a 47-41 lead at halftime.
White was the leading scorer for the Bulls with 11 points, while LaVine contributed nine points in the first half in 15 minutes. On the other hand, Bridges was the top scorer for the Hornets with 17 points, achieved on 7-of-11 shooting.
