Bulls snap Raptors' five-game streak with 122-106 win

Coby White’s 25 points and Nikola Vucevic’s double-double lead the Bulls to a convincing victory, snapping the Raptors’ streak.

Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls drives past Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their game at Scotiabank Arena on January 31, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

The Chicago Bulls ended the Toronto Raptors' five-game winning streak with a commanding 122-106 victory on Friday night. Led by Coby White's 25 points and six assists, the Bulls proved to be too much for the Raptors, who had been in strong form but could not match Chicago’s balanced offensive attack. The victory marked just the Bulls' second win in their last five games, giving them a much-needed boost after a shaky stretch.

The Raptors, who had previously been on a roll, struggled to keep up with the Bulls' intensity, despite strong performances from Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. This victory also gave the Bulls a season sweep over Toronto, having previously defeated the Raptors 122-121 in Toronto on December 16.

Nikola Vucevic, bench contributions fuel Bulls’ offensive outburst

Bulls center Nikola Vucevic was a key player in the win, putting up 12 points and six rebounds in the first quarter alone. He finished the game with 21 points and 12 rebounds, providing a steady presence in the paint. His efforts on both ends of the court helped Chicago build an early lead, which they maintained throughout the game.

Josh Giddey, another crucial contributor for the Bulls, added 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. His all-around game allowed the Bulls to stay in control, especially when Toronto mounted a comeback attempt. The Bulls also received significant contributions from their bench, with Jalen Smith scoring 17 points, Matas Buzelis adding 12, and Patrick Williams chipping in with 11 points and nine rebounds. Dalen Terry also provided a spark off the bench, scoring 10 points to help extend Chicago's lead in the second half.

The Bulls’ depth and efficient scoring were on full display as they outpaced the Raptors, who struggled to match Chicago’s offensive pace. The bench production was particularly notable, as the reserves combined for 56 points, giving the starters valuable rest without sacrificing performance.

Raptors struggle to keep up as the Bulls surge ahead

For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds, continuing his strong season. RJ Barrett added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Immanuel Quickley, returning from injury, scored 13 of his 14 points in the first half. However, it was not enough to overcome the Bulls' offensive firepower.

Toronto’s defense, which had been a hallmark of their recent winning streak, seemed less effective against the Bulls’ pick-and-roll execution. Bulls players repeatedly found open shots off screens and quick passes, which left the Raptors' defense scrambling. The Raptors did manage to cut the deficit to one point midway through the second quarter, thanks to consecutive three-pointers by Ja'Kobe Walter and Davion Mitchell. But Chicago quickly regained control, ending the first half with a 55-50 lead.

As the second half unfolded, the Bulls took control of the game with an 18-4 run in the third quarter, spearheaded by White’s fourth three-pointer of the game. Toronto briefly pulled within one point after a dunk by Gradey Dick, assisted by Barnes, and a layup by Barrett, but the Bulls responded in a big way. Chicago's offensive explosion left the Raptors trailing by 14 heading into the final quarter.

Bulls seal the win with decisive fourth-quarter run

The Raptors were unable to mount a serious comeback in the fourth quarter, as Chicago continued to dominate. Patrick Williams delivered an emphatic dunk over Jakob Poeltl with 8:01 left in the game, providing a statement play that seemed to sap the energy from the Raptors. Ayo Dosunmu followed up with a three-pointer, and White added a layup, extending the Bulls' lead to 19 points and effectively sealing the win.

While Toronto's defense had been solid for much of the winning streak, they could not contain the Bulls' offensive onslaught in this game. The Raptors struggled to get stops when they needed them most, and Chicago’s balanced scoring attack kept them ahead for the duration of the game.

Missing players and impact on both teams

The Raptors were without Jamal Shead, who missed the game due to illness, and his absence was felt as Toronto lacked some depth in the backcourt. Chicago, meanwhile, played without Zach LaVine, who was absent for personal reasons. Despite this, the Bulls were able to overcome the loss of their star player, thanks to the contributions from their depth.

LaVine’s absence highlighted the depth of the Bulls, as several players stepped up to fill the scoring void. White, Giddey, and Vucevic all played pivotal roles, and the bench's collective effort was critical to the victory.

Toronto's winning streak ends at five

With this loss, Toronto’s five-game winning streak came to an end. The Raptors had not experienced a winning streak longer than five games since their eight-game streak in early 2022. Despite the setback, Toronto remains a competitive team in the Eastern Conference, and they will look to bounce back in their next matchup.

While the Raptors showed flashes of their usual quality, they were unable to recover from the Bulls' third-quarter surge, and their defense could not slow down the visitors.

For the Bulls, this victory marks an important step in their season. After a challenging stretch with a mix of wins and losses, Chicago proved they are capable of competing with some of the best teams in the league. Their offense, fueled by White’s scoring and Vucevic’s double-double, was the key to the win, and the Bulls will look to build on this momentum moving forward.

Bulls demonstrate offensive depth in win over Raptors

The Chicago Bulls' 122-106 win over the Toronto Raptors showcased their offensive depth and efficient scoring. With standout performances from Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, and the bench, the Bulls were able to snap the Raptors' five-game winning streak. As the Bulls continue their season, this victory serves as a reminder of their potential when firing on all cylinders, while Toronto will aim to regroup and learn from this loss.

The game highlighted the importance of a balanced offensive approach, as the Bulls outscored the Raptors despite missing one of their key players, Zach LaVine. Moving forward, the Bulls will look to carry this momentum into future games, while the Raptors will need to improve defensively and focus on limiting their opponents' scoring runs.