The Bulls seemed to be on the verge of a monumental collapse in Toronto as the Raptors fought hard to climb out from a 19-point hole in the third quarter. Kyle Lowry and Alan Anderson closed late to help the Raptors tie it up at the end of regulation. With Kirk Hinrich and Taj Gibson fouled out, the Bulls suddenly found themselves scrapping to get looks in overtime. The Raptors also found themselves struggling to score, with Anderson fouling out after scoring 27 points off the bench.
Luol Deng downs Raptors in final seconds of overtime with jumper
Luol Deng put an end to the Raptors’ massive comeback with a late dagger with only seconds remaining.
With 8 seconds remaining, it looked like the game might go into a second overtime after Kyle Lowry hit an 8-footer in the paint. Opting for defense, the Raptors subbed out Jose Calderon in favor for Landry Fields during the Bulls’ timeout.
But it wouldn’t make much of a difference. Chicago got the ball to Luol Deng, who drove right, stopped near the right elbow and pulled up for the jumper over Fields.
In hindsight, perhaps Deng might have pushed off a bit. I’m not so sure.
Perhaps it was just the spirit of Michael Jordan.
