Led by Speights, Clippers rally in 4th to beat Bulls 102-95

In recent games, the Clippers have not been a menacing defensive unit. It marked an odd turn of events in a series full of them late in the waning moments of the Chicago Bulls’ 102-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.

Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (rest) will not play Sunday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Carmelo Anthony poured in 31 points, and Kristaps Porzingis contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds as the New York Knicks beat Atlanta. The Chicago Bulls had an early start but could not sustain the lead and the Clippers came from behind, outscoring them in the fourth quarter 30-18 that would cost the Bulls the game. He destroyed a series of Los Angeles defenders with his usual flair, scoring inside and on the perimeter without hitting a 3-pointer.

Starting in place of injured playmaker Rajon Rondo, Grant has been making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Michael Carter-Williams (left knee/left wrist) and Doug McDermott (concussion protocol) remain out as well.

The Los Angeles Lakers (7-6) lost their last game against the San Antonio Spurs with a 116-107 defeat at home. The Bulls have only two games before then, while the Lakers have five.

It was part of a 16-point first half for Griffin, who added four rebounds and four assists.

Speights also grabbed a key offensive rebound, finding Jamal Crawford for an athletic reverse layup. He wanted to keep the rotation somewhat in tact by utilizing Louis Williams and Jordan Clarkson off the bench.

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry drives against Milwaukee Bucks’ Malcolm Brogdon during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, in Milwaukee. D’Angelo Russell had only eight points and seven assists while playing cautiously on a sore left knee.

“I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think I could help this organization and help Jimmy”, Wade told the Chicago Sun-Times.

There are talks linking the team to possibly trade for a young and rising star in the league as they look to let go of their veteran pieces.

When Dwyane Wade left the Staples Center after Saturday’s loss to the Clippers, all systems were go.

All of which represents a continuation of the Lakers’ season-long struggles on defense. Jimmy Butler has had much success drawing fouls and getting to the line. Even Rajon Rondo got in on the act, knocking down a corner three and generally not looking like the terrible version of himself which has been on show for much of the year.

Randle wasn’t exaggerating. He added he did a “terrible job” defending Bulls forward Taj Gibson, who had 15 points. Los Angeles improved to 11-2 with Friday’s 121-115 road win over the Sacramento Kings while the Bulls have won four consecutive games and five of their past six contests.