107-109. The Nets attack Chicago and start the new NBA tournament with victory

Chicago (USA), Nov 3 (EFE).- The Brooklyn Nets triumphed this Friday 109-107 at the Chicago Bulls’ field and started the new tournament within the NBA season with a home victory, with a solid group performance led by five three-pointers and 21 points from Dorian Finney Smith.

To the great night of Finney Smith, one of the cards obtained last year in the operation that brought Kyrie Irving to Dallas, were added the 20 points of Mikal Bridges, with three triples, and the 17 of Cam Thomas, also with three three point baskets.

The Nets won a very close game, a head-to-head game in which the Bulls had the last ball, with a three-point attempt by Zach LaVine that was repelled by the rim.

LaVine and DeMar DeRozan finished with 24 points each, Coby White scored 18, and Nikola Vucevic contributed a double double of thirteen points and twelve rebounds.

An important difference in the match was marked in the three-point shots; 18 connected by the Nets compared to the eleven of the Bulls. Brooklyn is now 3-2, while Chicago drops to 2-4.

For the first time in 57 years of history, the Bulls changed their usual hardwood for one completely painted red, with a darker-tinted ‘hallway’, and with the new NBA Cup in the center.

The Bulls, six-time NBA champions, modified their court like the other 29 franchises in the league. Those from Chicago were the only ones along with the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers that had never changed their floor in their history.

Chicago and Brooklyn are in Group C of the East, with the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors. The first will advance directly to the knockout phase along with the winners of the other five groups, and will be accompanied by the two best runners-up.

Las Vegas will host the semifinals and final at the T-Mobile Arena with a final four scheme, from December 7 to 9.

An important economic incentive will also be added to the sports competition, since each player on the winning team will take home half a million dollars.

Two franchises with a similar balance met, 2-3 the Bulls and 2-2 the Nets, and balance reigned on the field, with Dorian Finney Smith lighting up the Nets with 16 points and four of four in triples at halftime, with DeRozan and LaVine holding up the Bulls.

Both teams were above 50% in triples in a first half in which the Nets gained a one-point lead (59-58).

To each attempt by the Nets to escape on the scoreboard, Chicago responded based on partials, and everything remained open until the last second.

Bridges, who shortly before had been the protagonist with a great two-handed dunk, had two free hands in his hands to seal the duel, but missed one and gave Chicago the last chance at 109-106.

The Bulls, who had achieved an epic comeback against the Toronto Raptors last week, had an option.

LaVine got to the foul line, hit the first and missed the second, but grabbed the rebound. He had time left on the clock, but he hurriedly shot three points, at 107-109, without being able to connect, which determined Chicago’s defeat.

Andrea Montolivo