Rockets Fall to Bulls After Epic Comeback | NBA News

A late layup from Matas Buzelis secured a 132-124 victory for the Chicago Bulls over the Houston Rockets Monday night at the United Center, a result that simultaneously allowed the San Antonio Spurs to clinch the Southwest Division title.

The Rockets, led by Kevin Durant’s game-high 40 points – his ninth consecutive game shooting 50% or better from the field – mounted a furious comeback from a 22-point first-quarter deficit. Durant scored 15 of his points in the fourth quarter, but Houston ultimately faltered in the closing seconds.

Collin Sexton spearheaded the Bulls’ attack with 25 points off the bench, while Buzelis finished with 23 and Leonard Miller added 17. Josh Giddey contributed 15 points and a game-high 13 assists for Chicago. Jalen Smith, returning from a questionable status due to an ankle injury, also scored 15 points.

Houston’s Alperen Sengun scored 33 points, and Amen Thompson added 23 in the loss. Jabari Smith Jr.’s three-pointer briefly gave the Rockets the lead with 5:56 remaining, but Buzelis’ decisive basket with 10.2 seconds left proved to be the difference.

The Bulls’ strong start, fueled by a season-high 41 points in the first quarter, initially established a significant lead. However, the Rockets chipped away at the deficit throughout the second and third quarters, setting the stage for a tense finish. Rockets coach Ime Udoka was ejected late in the game after receiving his second technical foul with 9.1 seconds remaining.

The San Antonio Spurs’ 136-111 win over Miami on Monday night, combined with Houston’s loss, mathematically secured the Southwest Division title for the Spurs, who now boast a record of 54-18.

The Bulls, now 29-42 on the season, snapped a five-game losing streak against the Rockets. The Rockets fell to 43-28.