CHICAGO _ The Clippers played their fourth road game in six nights Friday and, thanks to the one-two punch of snow and Chicago rush-hour traffic, had two starters and coach Doc Rivers arrive just 45 minutes before tipoff.
Yes, with weather conditions suboptimal, indoor conditions proved primed for the Bulls to beat a team with a winning record for the first time in over a month.
Instead, a late collapse spoiled a more competitive effort in the Bulls' 106-101 loss, their 12th in 13 games.
Lou Williams made big play after big play late, finishing with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double in his 14th season. He pushed the Clippers ahead for good with 1 minute, 44 seconds left on a four-point play, sinking a 3-pointer while being fouled by Kris Dunn.
Zach LaVine, who scored 13 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, scored on a driving layup to pull the Bulls within one. But following Williams' miss, the Bulls committed a shot-clock violation when Bobby Portis passed up an open 3-pointer and Chandler Hutchison, who had his first career double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds), was forced to throw up a desperation 3-pointer for an air ball.
Clippers guard Patrick Beverley, who made a big defensive play late by stopping Lauri Markkanen in the post, scored on a driving layup with 37.8 seconds left off a Bulls' defensive breakdown. Coach Jim Boylen burned his last timeout, and LaVine air-balled a 3-pointer on the ensuing play.
Williams capped the victory with a drive and dish to Montrezl Harrell for a dunk.
