WASHINGTON _ The last time the Bulls played the Wizards in Washington, D.C., they overcame a 12-point third quarter deficit to force the game into overtime and steal a victory.
They attempted to pull off a more impressive comeback Tuesday night, with a fourth-quarter charge led by Zach LaVine that cut an 18-point deficit to start the final period to six with just over two minutes remaining. The Bulls could not pull off yet another late comeback, however, falling, 126-114.
The Bulls have matched a season high with six consecutive losses entering the All-Star break. LaVine scored 41 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a matchup between Eastern Conference All-Star snubs with he and Wizards guard Bradley Beal, who had 30 points and seven assists.
Defense had been a pride point for the Bulls all season, managing to hang around the top 10 in defensive efficiency long after their rotation had been depleted by injuries. But as the injuries have stacked up, the Bulls have struggled defensively, giving up at least 118 points in each of the past four games since losing guard Kris Dunn to a sprained knee ligament.
Washington shot 53.9% from the field and scored 62 points in the paint, a stat made puzzling by the fact that center Daniel Gafford did not play. The rookie has been nursing a sore ankle, but the Bulls have said he is available.
