Tiago Splitter identifies key reason why Bulls lost Spurs clash appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bulls let the San Antonio Spurs into their domain on Wednesday. Caleb Wilson had to be taken out with a hand injury, and Chicago blew a 22-point lead to lose 124-119.
Advertisement
This handed the Bulls their eighth straight loss and left them 1-9. In the first half, the Bulls shot over 80% from the field and the 3-point line, but finished at 57.9% from the field and 51.7% from beyond the arc.
However, head coach Tiago Splitter said their demise came down to 19 turnovers. Josh Giddey led with seven, and Matas Buzelis finished with six.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
“That’s the game right there,” Splitter said.
Conversely, the Spurs protected the ball and only finished with six turnovers. So far, the Bulls are averaging 17.3 turnovers, leading to their opponents scoring 23.6 points per game. Giddey and Buzelis stand out as the players who have committed the most turnovers. Altogether, Giddey has 32 through ten games, while Buzelis has 28.
Advertisement
The Bulls were outscored 34-19 in the 3rd quarter as Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and company took advantage of Chicago’s carelessness with the ball.
Jalen Smith led the Bulls in scoring with 23 points and shooting 8-for-9 from the field. Nic Claxton came off the bench and added 17 points along with six rebounds. Wilson played 15 minutes before he left the game and finished with 15 points. Before the game, Wilson was listed as questionable due to right hip soreness.
Buzelis and Tre Jones each finished with 13 points. Giddey walked away with 9 points and seven assists, while Patrick Williams scored 9 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Advertisement
The Bulls will play the Atlanta Hawks at home on Friday, November 13, at 7:00 pm CST/8:00 pm EST.
Related: Caleb Wilson exits Spurs clash with hand injury
Related: How Bulls fans reacted to Billy Donovan’s return with the Spurs
