Windy City Narrowly Loses to Cleveland, Oturu Scores 29

The Windy City Bulls, presented by BMO, the NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, came up just short in a 111-110 road loss to the Cleveland Charge on Friday, Nov. 12. 

Windy City’s Daniel Oturu continued his high-scoring stretch with a 29-point performance on 12-for-18 shooting while also grabbing 10 rebounds. The big man from the University of Minnesota has scored 20 or more points in all four games this season.

The Bulls entered the fourth quarter with a six-point lead, but 10 fourth-quarter points — including three made free throws in the final minute of the game — from Cleveland two-way guard R.J. Nembhard was just enough to help seal the win for the Charge. 

This was the second game of a back-to-back series between the Bulls and Charge. In the first game on Thursday, Nov. 11, Windy City started strong while Cleveland struggled out of the gate. However, in tonight’s matchup, Cleveland jumped out to a 10-point lead heading into the second quarter.

But Windy City rattled off a 26-4 run to start the second period and take an 11-point lead with 4:39 left in the half. After outscoring Cleveland 38-14 in the quarter, the Bulls headed into the break with a 64-50 edge.

In the second half, the Charge gradually chipped away at the Bulls’ lead. Heading into the fourth quarter, Windy City still managed an 88-82 lead, but Cleveland tied the game with a pair of quick three-pointers to start the period. The two squads went back-and-forth for the remainder of the game — with seven ties and five lead changes in the fourth quarter — before Cleveland escaped with a one-point victory.

All five Bulls starters scored in double figures. Rookie guard Ethan Thompson put up 19 points, three rebounds and seven assists, while Scottie Lindsey scored 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting. 

Bulls two-way guard Devon Dotson nearly notched a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. In his first start with Windy City, Jordan Tucker managed 12 points and six rebounds. Off the bench, Elijah Thomas scored 14 points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting.

For the Charge, Kyle Guy led all scorers with 33 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists. Nembhard ended with 28 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

The Bulls are back in action Wednesday, Nov. 17 for their home opener against the Motor City Cruise. This is part of a two-game, back-to-back series between Windy City and the Cruise at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL. Tip-off for both games is set for 7 p.m. CT, and the games will be broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago.