Derrick Rose hit the game-winning shot with 4.8 seconds remaining and Luol Deng blocked Kobe Bryant's on the other end as the Chicago Bulls managed to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 88-87 on Sunday during the NBA's opening day festivities. Rose's game-winner was a beautifully executed floater in the lane and followed a Bryant turnover that came just second earlier.
Lakers Vs. Bulls, NBA Christmas Day Final Score: Derrick Rose Outduels Kobe Bryant Down The Stretch
Derrick Rose scores the game-winner, as Kobe Bryant comes up short on his last-second shot in the Bulls 88-87 win over the Lakers.
The Lakers had a chance to ice the game and complete a comeback from a seven-point halftime deficit with 20.1 second remaining. But they struggled to get the ball inbounds and Bryant was forced into a turnover after being double-teamed. He had another chance to deliver the victory following Rose’s go-ahead shot, but after getting around Deng, he was greeted by a trio of defenders. Deng was able to recover and swatted the ball away from behind.
Prior to that roughly 20-second spurt, Bryant appeared poised to carry the Lakers over the Bulls and reigning MVP Rose. He had scored 28 points, 14 of which had come in the second half, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists.
But it was Rose who had the final say in this one. HIs game-winner gave him 22 points, which came on a tidy 9 of 13 shooting from the field. He also had five assists and the Bulls were +7 with him on the floor. In addition to his game-winning block, Deng had 21 points four steals.
For the latest updates on all the Christmas Day NBA action, be sure to follow this StoryStream. For more on these teams, check out Bulls blog Blog-a-Bull and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll.
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