After the corona pandemic, the American league is again organizing regular season games on the distant continent, this time the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons came to Paris.
Twenty-five years ago, the Chicago Bulls came to the French capital for two preseason games. First against Atenas de Córdoba, also against the Greek Olympiakos. In both cases, the result was the same, victory of the reds. A quarter of a century later, without the presence of Michael Jordan, but with a more than worthy DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls came out victorious again.
The result, 126–108 for Billy Donovan’s team.
Despite the dedication of the French public with the local hero, Killian Hayes, and his team, Dwane Casey’s men were no match for some Bulls who aspire to continue climbing positions in the table.
The Detroit Pistons lost the NBA Europe game in Paris against the Chicago Bulls. But their newcomer Jalen Duren showed all his class. He almost missed the game in France because there were many problems with his passport
Zach LaVine was the Chicago Bulls’ top scorer in Paris.
The Bulls led the entire game, mostly by double digits, even though the Pistons only had to let up in the final phase. In the end, the “hosts” had no answer for Zach LaVine (30, 10/20) and DeMar DeRozan (26, 9/18, 9 rebounds), who scored at will at times. Chicago hit 54 percent from the field, while Detroit hit just 40.
Killian Hayes (4, 2/13, 8 assists), who was honoured at the beginning of the evening, has known a few difficulties in his country, for centre Isaiah Stewart (7, 1/10, 11 rebounds) it did not go better. In general, the starters had no chance, only the bench around Hamidou Diallo (17) and Jalen Duren (11, 12 rebounds) could please. The Pistons’ best scorer was Bojan Bogdanovic with 25 points (9/19).
DeMar DeRozan, despite his physical discomfort, was the man of the match and the figure who took the need for a win for Chicago most seriously. The shooting guard put the team on his back and displayed his brilliant offensive arsenal with mid-range shots, low post, passing and finishing. He finished with 26 points and nine rebounds in 38 minutes.
This victory is of great significance for the Bulls as it keeps them in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a 21–24 record and ever closer to the Pacers in 9th place. For their part, Detroit remains at the bottom of the standings with a 12–36 record.
The Pistons at least have a good chance to get the first pick and keep the worst record in the Eastern Conference after the defeat in Paris.
The atmosphere in a packed Accor Arena was the best image the NBA could have hoped for on its return from international play in Europe. However, it is impossible to predict or create the conditions for the duel itself to be close. Still, the show was on par with the best nights on American soil.
When the NBA comes to Paris, numerous stars are also attracted. Among others, the Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. The NBA came up big, legends like Magic Johnson, Ben Wallace or Rip Hamilton were in the hall. Tony Parker was in the place as well.
This match was therefore a success for the French public and the fiercest American fans who came to Paris.
