Bulls Edge Pacers 108-105: DeRozan’s Clutch Jumper Secures Thrilling Victory
By SportSphere24 Editorial Team | Updated: Jan 29, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS — In a nail-biting Eastern Conference showdown, the Chicago Bulls (25-23) held off a furious fourth-quarter rally from the Indiana Pacers (28-21) to secure a 108-105 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. DeMar DeRozan delivered the decisive blow with a clutch mid-range jumper in the final minute, extending the Bulls' winning streak to three games.
The Scoreboard: Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
| Chicago Bulls | 29 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 108 |
| Indiana Pacers | 25 | 26 | 28 | 26 | 105 |
Game Analysis: DeRozan's Heroics & Pacers' Resilience
This game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows until the very end.
1. DeRozan: Mr. Clutch
With the game tied at 105-105 and 28 seconds left, DeMar DeRozan calmly drained a contested pull-up jumper, giving the Bulls a crucial two-point lead. He finished with a team-high 27 points (on 11-of-19 shooting), once again proving his mastery in late-game situations.
"That's what he does," Bulls coach Billy Donovan remarked. "He wants those moments."
2. Pacers' Near Comeback
Indiana, still missing star guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring tightness), showcased their characteristic resilience.
Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 25 points (a season-high) on an efficient 10-of-14 from the field, stepping up admirably in Haliburton's absence.
Myles Turner added a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, along with 3 crucial blocks.
Despite their efforts, a last-second three-point attempt from Andrew Nembhard rimmed out, sealing their fate.
3. Bulls' Balanced Attack
Beyond DeRozan, Chicago received significant contributions from:
Coby White who continued his stellar play with 22 points and 7 assists.
Nikola Vucevic controlled the interior with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
The Bulls' defensive intensity in the final possessions was key to stifling Indiana's potent offense.
Stat Leaders & Performance Metrics
| Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST | STL |
| DeMar DeRozan | CHI | 27 | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Obi Toppin | IND | 25 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Coby White | CHI | 22 | 3 | 7 | 1 |
| Myles Turner | IND | 18 | 11 | 2 | 1 |
| Andrew Nembhard | IND | 15 | 4 | 8 | 2 |