LaVine nets 32, Bulls overcome DeRozan’s absence, top Denver

By ANDREW SELIGMAN
AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — Zach LaVine scored 32 points and the Chicago Bulls beat the Denver Nuggets 109-97. The Bulls took a big hit a few hours before tipoff when leading scorer DeMar DeRozan entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Even without the four-time All-Star, they dominated down the stretch and tied Brooklyn for the Eastern Conference lead. Lonzo Ball and Nikola Vucevic each had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and all five starters scored in double figures for Chicago. The Nuggets lost for the eighth time in 10 games despite a triple-double by Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and a season-high 15 assists. Will Barton and Monte Morris each scored 19. Aaron Gordon added 18 points.