Deadspin | Julian Phillips' career night carries Bulls past Wizards

Apr 11, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) defends Chicago Bulls forward Talen Horton-Tucker (22) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Julian Phillips posted career-highs in scoring and rebounding, and Chicago cruised past the Washington Wizards 119-89 in the Bulls’ regular-season home finale on Friday.

Phillips’ 23 points led all scorers, pacing five Bulls scorers with at least 12 points. Among them was Nikola Vucevic, who flirted with a triple-double at 15 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Phillips finished with nine rebounds.

Chicago (38-43) trailed by a point early in the second quarter before going on a 20-4 run. Six different Bulls scored in the pivotal stretch, which gave Chicago the lead for good.

The Bulls doubled a 15-point halftime lead late in the third quarter. Chicago’s advantage ballooned to as many as 33 points in the fourth.

The Bulls held Washington (17-64) to just 35-of-91 (38.5 percent) shooting from the floor, including 10 of 41 from 3-point range, while forcing 18 turnovers.

Chicago converted the turnovers into 23 points and outscored the Wizards on fast-break opportunities, 21-6.

Matas Buzelis scored 20 points for the Bulls. His 3-of-6 shooting from 3-point range matched Philips for the team lead.

Coby White scored 16 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished four assists. Talen Horton-Tucker scored 12 points off the bench, leading Chicago to a 38-23 advantage in reserve points.

Bulls backups Zach Collins and Jevon Carter each chipped in eight points as Chicago won its fifth in the last six games.

Justin Champagnie finished with 22 points and a game-high 14 rebounds to lead Washington. Bub Carrington added an 18-point, 11-assist double-double.

Rookie Alex Sarr, who came into Friday’s contest having scored in double figures in five straight games, finished with seven points on 3-of-15 shooting.

Chicago clinched the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference with the win, meaning the Bulls will host No. 10 Miami in a play-in game.

–Field Level Media