Windy City Bulls Can’t Hold On Against Cruise

The Windy City Bulls, presented by BMO, the NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, fell to the Motor City Cruise 112-108 at NOW Arena Wednesday night. Six Windy City players scored in double figures, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Cruise in the opening game of the 36-game NBA G League regular season.

Windy City’s first points of the night were scored on a three-pointer from assignment player Mac McClung. The rookie guard from Texas Tech University went on to score eight first-quarter points to help the Bulls keep pace with the Cruise. The Bulls trailed Motor City 29-27 after the opening period.

Daniel Oturu, who recently returned to Windy City following a 10-Day contract with the Toronto Raptors, took charge in the second quarter, scoring nine points in the period to bring his first-half total to 13. With the boost from Oturu, Windy City outscored Motor City 32-28 in the quarter to give the Bulls a two-point lead heading into halftime.

The Bulls’ offense carried its momentum into the second half, scoring 34 points in the third quarter. After a quiet first half, Bulls Two-Way point guard Devon Dotson exploded for 11 points in the quarter as Windy City stretched its lead to five points heading into the final 12 minutes. 

With the help of his strong third quarter, Dotson finished with a team-high 20 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

However, Motor City’s stifling defense down the stretch helped the Cruise escape with a 112-108 victory. Motor City guard Derrick Walton notched a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists. Cruise big man Cheick Diallo led all scorers with 28 points and 14 rebounds.

For the Bulls, Oturu finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. McClung scored 19 points and dished out eight assists. Ethan Thompson, Kerwin Roach II and Troy Baxter Jr. all chipped in 12 points apiece.

Windy City is back in action against the Delaware Blue Coats on Friday, Jan. 7 and Saturday, Jan. 8. Both games tip-off at 7 p.m. at NOW Arena. Friday’s game can be streamed on NBAGLeague.com, while Saturday’s game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago Plus.