LaVine, DeRozan helps Bulls snap 76ers' winning streak in double OT

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Zach LaVine scored 26points, DeMar DeRozan had 25 and the Chicago Bulls defeated JoelEmbiid and the Philadelphia 76ers 109-105 in double overtime Mondaynight to snap their eight-game winning streak.

Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls,who have won three games in a row and five of six. Chicago isfighting for the final playoff spot in the East.

Embiid had 37 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks beforefouling out with 3:54 left in the second overtime. It was the 10thstraight game in which he has scored at least 30 points.

The teams meet again in the second game of a home-and-home onWednesday night in Chicago.

Philadelphia could’ve clinched a playoff spot with a victory,but the 76ers struggled once Embiid left the court after a foul onLaVine.

Tyrese Maxey hit an elbow jumper and Tobias Harris followed witha baseline jumper to put the 76ers ahead 105-101 with 2:36 left inthe second OT. But those were the last points Philadelphia scored,with Embiid only able to watch from the bench.

Maxey, who finished with 17 points, air-balled a pair of 3-pointattempts and misfired on a drive. The 76ers still were down by justtwo late, but Derrick Jones Jr. blocked James Harden’s jumper andHarris missed on a chance. Coby White got the rebound and made twofree throws with six seconds to play to clinch it.

Harden had one of his worst performances since joining the 76ersat the trade deadline last season, finishing with just five pointswhile missing 12 of 14 shots, including all six 3-point attempts.He also had five turnovers.

The 76ers had a chance to win in regulation, but Maxey’s 3 atthe buzzer was off the mark.

Chicago could’ve ended it after the first overtime, butDeRozan’s 3 at the buzzer went off the heel of the rim.

EMBIID MVP?

Embiid has been stating his case for his first NBA MVP award allseason. Denver’s Nikola Jokic has won the last two MVP’s, andGiannis Antetokounmpo claimed the previous two. Boston’s JaysonTatum also is a strong candidate.

Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said the debate around the awardis too vitriolic.

“Joel is the MVP,” Rivers said. “I thought he was the MVP lastyear. But can we stop trying to put people down? All of them aregreat. We don’t need to put one down to elevate the rest.”

HONORING ’83

The 76ers honored their 1983 championship team during a halftimeceremony. The team, led by Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving metwith the current team during shootaround on Monday morning. Riverssaid it was a beneficial experience.

“It was really cool,” Rivers said. “Great for me, great for ourguys. Connecting teams and history is really important.”

BALL’S SURGERY

Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball had surgery for a cartilagetransplant in his left knee.

“Everything went well,” coach Billy Donovan said.

Ball is out indefinitely after a third surgery on the knee in alittle more than a year.

“He has a long road to recovery,” Donovan said.

Ball hasn’t played in more than a year and Chicago ruled him outfor the season last month. The 25-year-old former No. 2 overalldraft pick averaged 13 points and 5.4 rebounds in 35 games with theBulls in 2021-22.

TIP-INS

Bulls: Alex Caruso (left foot) did not play. Caruso left in thesecond quarter of a 113-99 win over the Heat on Saturday night. …Javonte Green (right knee soreness) returned to the lineup afternot playing against Miami. He was scoreless in nine minutes. … TheBulls improved to 14-21 on the road.

76ers: P.J. Tucker (left ankle) didn’t play. … Harden returnedto the lineup after being sidelined for Saturday’s 141-121 win overthe Pacers due to injury recovery. … Philadelphia fell to 26-11 athome.

UP NEXT

Bulls: Host Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

76ers: At Chicago on Wednesday night.