PARIS — 25 years ago the Chicago Bulls They appeared in the French capital to play two preseason games. First against Atenas de Córdoba, then against the Greek Olympiakos. In both cases the result was the same, victory for those in red. A quarter of a century later, no longer Michael Jordan present, but with a more than worthy DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls came out victorious again. The opponent, Detroit Pistons. The context, the eleventh duel of the Regular Phase on European soil. The result, 126-108 for those of Billy Donovan.
Despite the delivery of the French public with the local hero, Killian Hayesand his team, Dwane Casey’s team, were no match for some Bulls who aspire to continue climbing positions in the table.
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The atmosphere in a fully packed Accor Arena was the best image the NBA could hope for on its return to international matches in Europe. However, it is impossible to predict or create the conditions for the duel itself to be close. Despite everything, the show was at the height of the best nights on American soil.
???? The atmosphere in Paris to watch the NBA is tremendous
unmatched the #NBAParis pic.twitter.com/pCIX6bKPHD
— ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????? España ???????? (@sportingnewses) January 19, 2023
Flashy action, one-on-ones, big shots, and a feel no other basketball league can match.
DeMar DeRozanDespite his physical discomfort, he was the man of the game and the figure who took the need to add a victory for Chicago most seriously. The shooting guard put the team on his back and deployed his brilliant offensive arsenal with midrange shots, low post, passes and finishing. All this to end with 26 points and 9 rebounds in 38 minutes.
???? IM-PA-RA-BLE
DEMAR
DEROZAN#NBAParis | @NBAspain pic.twitter.com/xprqTBbi5f
— ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????? España ???????? (@sportingnewses) January 19, 2023
Together with the Californian escort they were at a good level both Nikola Vucevic with 16 points and 15 rebounds as Zach LaVine with 30 points, finishing the latter as the top scorer of the match.
Quality. LaVine.#NBAParis pic.twitter.com/gquOb9V457
— NBA Spain (@NBAspain) January 19, 2023
Although the show was put on by Derrick Jones Jr with things like these:
SHOW
Derrick Jones Jr ✈️✈️✈️#NBAParis pic.twitter.com/ODVrRUl8rm
— NBA Spain (@NBAspain) January 19, 2023
By some unguided Pistons after the loss of Cade Cunningham only glimmered Bojan Bogdanovic. The Croatian had good moments despite the mistake to finish with 25 points.
This victory is highly relevant for the Bulls as it consolidates them in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 21-24 and getting closer to the Pacers in 9th place. For its part, Detroit continues to close the table with a 12-36 mark and with its mind already set on the offseason.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
