Another near epic collapse, another improbable surge and unbelievable comeback win.

The Chicago Bulls wrap up their road trip with a thrilling 122-121 win in Portland against the Trail Blazers. After a five-game losing streak, they have now won two straight and moved to 8-6.

After leading by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter with 9:16 left, the Bulls nearly blew it. The Blazers went on a late surge to eventually build up a four-point lead with 16.2 seconds to go.

Then, Coby White drilled a clutch three to cut the Blazers’ lead to one with 8.6 seconds to go, clearing the way for Nikola Vucevic to hit the game-winner at the buzzer.

White was back in the lineup, playing 27 minutes (he was on a 26-28 minutes limit). He was aggressive getting to the basket and looking for his shot, scoring 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting. He also added seven assists.

Vucevic got back to his efficient scoring ways. After making a few threes to start the game, the Bulls funneled their offense through him early and often, as he finished with 27 points on 11-of-19 shooting.

The Bulls’ bench continues to be key. Dalen Terry (six points, three rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block) had perhaps the best play of his career, with activity, defensive pressure and energy that fueled the Bulls’ offense and defense. Ayo Dosunmu (14 points on 5-of-7 shooting) led the way for the second unit as they outscored the Blazers 65-20. 

Donovan Clingan (17 points, 21 rebounds) and Deni Avdija (32 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) led the way for the Blazers, who were decimated by injury. They were without Shaedon Sharpe, Jrue Holiday, Matisse Thybulle, Scoot Henderson, Robert Williams, Blake Wesley and, of course, Damian Lillard, who is out all year with the Achilles tear.

The Blazers had 26 offensive rebounds. Before Wednesday night, the Bulls had only allowed 26 or more offensive boards 18 times in franchise history, most recently in April 2003 when the Milwaukee Bucks grabbed 29. Those 26 offensive boards allowed the Blazers to outscore the Bulls 38-10 on second-chance points.

Up next: The Bulls are back home on Friday to take on the Miami Heat in the third game of the NBA Cup Group Play stage.

Tune into the CHGO Bulls postgame live show:

The four factors are the keys that shift the balance of power in a game. Oftentimes, focusing on the offensive rebounding, free throws and turnovers as the “controllable” elements of the game. If they improve their focus and attention to detail on boxing out, taking care of the ball while avoiding fouls, they can give themselves a great chance to win on any given night.

Those were the exact areas where the Bulls struggled against Portland. They allowed 38 second-chance points on 27 offensive rebounds. They put the Blazers on the line 32 times. They turned it over 16 times compared to 15 by Portland, effectively a wash.

Ultimately, it comes down to the final one of the four factors: effective field goal percentage. Even if a team wins the possession battle by out-rebounding, having fewer turnovers and making more free throws than your opponent, if you shoot the lights out, you can still win. 

That’s what the Bulls did. They shot 48 percent from the field and 43 percent on threes (21-of-49) for a 58.9 effective field goal percentage, while the Blazers were at just 46.7. They also hit the most important one at the most important time.

Sometimes that’s enough.

– Will Gottlieb

Matas Buzelis got a quick hook from Billy Donovan after two early turnovers. Then he picked up his third foul midway through the second quarter. He also flashed on a great baseline cut, which Vucevic rewarded with a great pass resulting in a Matas hammer dunk.

The young fella also busted out what seems to be his new signature move, driving from the left elbow with a high-ball step through while switching hands at the rack for a lefty finish. It’s a gorgeous move. I want him to do it a billion more times while expanding his shot creation and rim-attacking off the dribble. Turnovers, fouls, and other “young fella” mistakes get in the way of that happening from time to time. Trying to be patient about it. …Not very successfully.

The Bulls got absolutely abused by the Blazers’ offensive rebounding prowess. Somewhat expected coming into this one — as Portland is second in the league in offensive rebounding percentage — but still…not great.

I’m sure Big Dave is giving him some flowers, but I’ll give him more: Terry was a game-changer out there. Making things happen in limited minutes. Yay, DT!

I’m glad the Bulls shot well to put themselves in position to win this one. But even more than a hot shooting night, I appreciated the starters having a much stronger third quarter after another sluggish tipoff. It would be nice to see the starters build leads instead of needing the bench to rescue them every night.

White was EFFICIENT in another “minutes restriction” night off the bench. Put that man back in the starting lineup when the Bulls are back home against the Heat on Friday. He looks more than ready.

…that was quite the late-game collapse. My goodness. Speaking of those Blazers’ offensive rebounds earlier. Woof. Way to save it, Vooch.

– Matt Peck

I don’t know why, but every time the Bulls play the Blazers in Portland, it’s a weird game. 

I know Vucevic was happy with his output in this game after having a few tough ones. 17 points in the first half alone. He was on a mission. When his three-point shot is hitting, everything else starts clicking (that rhymed).

Coby. MF’n. White. This was the second-straight game he came off the bench and hit his 1st shot which was again a 3PT shot. He has really learned how to control his superpower (speed) and turn it on and off on drives to the bucket. The Bulls are lucky to have him on the squad for sure.

Dosunmu is proving to be indispensable on this team. Each game he has shined. He is turning into one of the top 3 most important players on the team. 

Did you see main man Terry out there?!?! He did his thing on both sides of the floor! How many think his number change has anything to do with it?

And that finish… AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH BULLS WIN!!!!!!

– Big Dave