Photo: Getty Images

By Daryl Oclares

The Chicago Bulls erased a 16-point deficit and edged the Washington Wizards, 121–118, in a wild Eastern Conference showdown Sunday morning (Manila time) at the United Center.

After a high-scoring, tightly contested opening quarter, Washington broke the game open with a 14–0 run, stretching its lead to as many as 16 midway through the second. Chicago answered with an 8–0 burst late in the half to trim the deficit to six at the break.

The Bulls spent most of the third quarter playing catch-up and twice cut the gap to a single point, but each time the Wizards responded with timely buckets to preserve a six-point cushion heading into the fourth.

Chicago finally surged ahead in the final period. After misfiring on three straight chances to tie or take the lead, the Bulls found Matas Buzelis in the corner, and the sophomore drilled a clutch three at the 4:51 mark to put Chicago on top.

The final two minutes unfolded as a frantic back-and-forth. Chicago led by four before Washington rallied, with Kyshawn George knocking down a three to give the Wizards the lead. Coby White countered with a smooth finger roll, but Bilal Coulibaly answered with a driving layup to swing the advantage back to Washington. Tre Jones then drew a foul on the ensuing possession and calmly sank two clutch free throws to push Chicago ahead once more.

With a chance to put the game away, White missed a dagger three, giving Washington one last possession with six seconds left. But the Bulls’ defense held firm, forcing a turnover to seal the comeback victory.

Josh Giddey powered Chicago with his fourth triple-double of the season, posting 18 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. Nikola Vucevic added a dominant 28-point, 12-rebound outing.

The Bulls improve to 9–7 and will face the New Orleans Pelicans next on Tuesday (Manila time). The Wizards, now 1–15 and on a 14-game skid, will look to halt their slide against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday (Manila time).