Denver Nuggets vs. Chicago Bulls: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Denver Nuggets (11-11) play against the Chicago Bulls (8-8) at United Center

Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Monday December 6, 2021

Denver Nuggets 25, Chicago Bulls 15 (Q1 02:21)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Dimes are being dropped 🪙 pic.twitter.com/AWdxFINYkA – 8:29 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
The ball’s got energy. That’s 8 assists on 9 FGs. That Joker put-back was the first unassisted bucket of the night for Nuggets. – 8:27 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
hello JOK3R – 8:26 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
I knew the rotation would be different. I didn’t know Matt Thomas would play in the 1st quarter. – 8:25 PM

Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Watch today’s cast for DEN/CHI live on League Pass! Ask a question using #NBACast, answering your questions during breaks with @Danny Leroux nba.com/game/den-vs-ch… – 8:25 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Zeke Nnaji chcecking in. – 8:24 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Zach settling in.
@NBCSChicago | @Zach LaVine pic.twitter.com/rH2hULNFpZ – 8:23 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Find the open man 👌 pic.twitter.com/FH4Aa91Nu1 – 8:23 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Denver on an 8-0 run..up 15-7. Barton with 8. Vooch with 5pts. – 8:19 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nuggets are doing a great job of taking what the defense gives them. Chicago is doubling Jokić, and unsurprisingly, he has three assists. – 8:19 PM

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Will Barton III hits his second 3 to put the Nuggets up 15-7 early in Chicago. Denver’s on an 8-0 run. – 8:19 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets open the game 3-of-4 from 3-point range, and Barton’s got two of them.
Denver also with five assists (Jokic w/ 3 of them) on five made field goals. Nuggets up 15-7 early. – 8:18 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
“From Chicago…” @AyoDos_11 pic.twitter.com/muB85pQP1Y – 8:15 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
“From Chicago …” Ayo gets the starting nod! – 8:13 PM

Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
On the call for Nuggets/Bulls with @Nate Duncan! Send in your questions using #NBACast nba.com/game/den-vs-ch… – 8:08 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Ayo Dosunmu is introduced with starters as “from Chicago . . .” – 8:07 PM

Josh Martin @LonzoWire
Lonzo Ball’s breakout season in New Orleans featured a number of career-best performances. Here are his top five games of the year. lonzowire.usatoday.com/lists/lonzo-ba… – 8:00 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
👀🔴 – 8:00 PM

Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
We’re live for DEN/CHI! On the call with @Danny Leroux, submit your questions using #NBACast nba.com/game/den-vs-ch… – 8:00 PM

Trey Kerby @treykerby
I see Jeremy Strong is a Bulls fan. 👀🔴 – 7:58 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
This “dawg” has his day … or week, as Alex Caruso is shut down with the hope his right hamstring can heal up a bit. The Bulls will re-evaluate him next week.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2021/12/… – 7:51 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Wrote yesterday about how game is slowing down for Ayo Dosunmu. Will that hold as the rookie makes his first NBA start? nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/… – 7:44 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
The Bulls and Nuggets are missing a combined 11 players tonight but this I know..Billy Donovan and Michael Malone are two superb coaches and their teams will compete. Period. – 7:43 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Tonight’s game is the 172nd consecutive regular-season appearance for Duncan Robinson, the second-longest streak in the franchise’s 34 seasons. The record is 174 by Glen Rice, from 1992 to ’94. Robinson can tie it Saturday vs. visiting Bulls. – 7:39 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Simply giving the people what they want…
Jamal Murray buckets. pic.twitter.com/LtDtwxKoeh – 7:37 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Almost time to hoop 🏀
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/Gdg3mlOTxV – 7:34 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
All-Defensive teams to start the year:
First Team
G – Alex Caruso
G – Mikal Bridges (idc idc idc)
F – Draymond Green
F – Giannis
C – Rudy Gobert
Second Team
G – Matisse Thybulle
G – Chris Paul
F – Paul George
F – Evan Mobley
C – Nikola Jokić
Let’s argue. – 7:34 PM

Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Rookie Ayo Dosunmu gets his first career start tonight for the Bulls. – 7:32 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
TONIGHT’S STARTERS:
Team : DEN (Visitor)
Barton, Will
Gordon, Aaron
Green, Jeff
Jokic, Nikola
Morris, Monte
Team : CHI (Home)
Ball, Lonzo -Guard
Dosunmu, Ayo
Jones Jr., Derrick
LaVine, Zach
Vucevic, Nikola – 7:32 PM

Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
#Bulls will start LaVine, Ball, Dosunmu, Jones & Vucevic – 7:32 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Hi I recorded these prior to DeRozan being out. Still work though. Nuggets vs Bulls
🔑 Defend LaVine – had career night in Denver
🔑 Boards – 17 o boards last time for Chi, that can’t happen again
🔑 Strong Finish/Do your work early! 4th quarter details
pic.twitter.com/3QZcIsjkB0 – 7:31 PM

Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Ayo Dosunmu will make his first career start tonight for the Bulls. – 7:31 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Next man up.
Ayo Dosunmu is getting his first career start!
@FirstAlert | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/0uZIJfrOaJ – 7:30 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Pregame Lounge with me, @Adam Mares, @BrendanVogt and @Duvalier Johnson is live!
– Nuggets/Bulls Game Notes
– Who in the NBA is down the worst?
– Who are the Broncos of the NBA?
– Best @DKSportsbook bets for the night
youtube.com/watch?v=pQr_SC… – 7:29 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Alex Caruso to miss at least a week with his hamstring/calf issues.
Story for @NBCSChicago: nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/… – 7:22 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Mondays are better with #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/qYjDdLZRxr – 7:01 PM

Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
About an hour away from tonight’s #NBACast for DEN/CHI live on League Pass with @Danny Leroux!
Taking your questions live on air, send yours in using #NBACast nba.com/game/den-vs-ch… – 7:00 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Monday night hoops on deck.
@Zennioptical | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/Zr0tRQQfdp – 6:56 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Michael Malone stressed the importance of role players buying into what Nikola Jokić is selling offensively. In Nikola, the Nuggets have someone that makes things easier as long as players run to the corner, pass and cut, and do the simple things.
Jeff Green embodies that. – 6:42 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
As soon as it’s confirmed that at least four Hornets have a positive COVID test, they can use a Hardship spot to add a 16th player to their roster.
Same scenario for the Bulls when/if it is confirmed DeMar DeRozan has a positive COVID test.
Once healthy, 16th spot goes away. – 6:37 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Michael Malone pregame in Chicago on Zeke Nnaji: “Zeke has stayed ready, emotionally, physically and he’s taken full advantage of the opportunity. The guy has a tremendous work ethic. He lives in the gym.” – 6:35 PM

Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
So Bulls tonight vs Nuggets are without:
-DeMar DeRozan (health and safety)
-Alex Caruso (right hamstring strain)
-Coby White (health and safety)
-Javonte Green (health and safety) – 6:34 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
So to sum up- Coby White and Javonte Green out with the Covid. DeRozan possibly out – out tonight for sure. Caruso out at least a week. Fun times! – 6:32 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan says Alex Caruso will be re-evaluated in a week ( hamstring). – 6:29 PM

Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Donovan says Caruso (hamstring) will be reevaluated next week, so he’ll miss 3-4 games. Donovan says it’s “not significant,” want to get him healthy. #Bulls – 6:28 PM

Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Alex Caruso (hamstring) will be out at least a week, per Billy Donovan. – 6:28 PM

Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Alex Caruso (hamstring) will be reevaluated in a week, Donovan says. – 6:28 PM

Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso is also sidelined as he continues to recover from that hamstring strain. He will be re-evaluated in a week. Donovan doesn’t have a clear path for his recovery, but says “it’s not significant.” – 6:28 PM

Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Billy Donovan says Alex Caruso is out vs. Nuggets and will be reevaluated in a week – 6:28 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Alex Caruso is out and will be re-evaluated in a week. – 6:27 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Alex Caruso is out vs. Nuggets and will be re-evaluated in a week, per Billy Donovan – 6:27 PM

Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
It’s unclear at this time whether DeMar DeRozan will travel to Cleveland with the Bulls tomorrow for Wednesday’s game, Bulls coach Billy Donovan says. – 6:27 PM

Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Billy Donovan says DeMar DeRozan was a full participant in shootaround this morning. Entered protocol this afternoon. Said Bulls are back to testing multiple times per day – 6:26 PM

Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
DeRozan participated in today’s shoootaround, Donovan said. News came from #NBA a couple hours ago. #Bulls – 6:25 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
DeMar DeRozan participated in shootaround. His test result came back in afternoon. Again, Donovan doesn’t yet know if it’s a positive test or not. Just that DeRozan landed in health and safety protocols.
Donovan said Bulls are now testing more than once a day. – 6:25 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls are back to multiple testing, according to Donovan. – 6:23 PM

Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Bulls coach Billy Donovan says he “doesn’t know yet” whether DeRozan has tested positive. Team will know more in the next day or so – 6:20 PM

Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
DeMar DeRozan is out for tonight’s Chicago Bulls game in COVID-19 protocol.
Billy Donovan says he is awaiting further test results to confirm if this is a false positive or not. If that result is maintained, he would be the third positive Bulls player in the last week. – 6:20 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Billy Donovan has more Covid issues – hello DeMar DeRozan. – 6:19 PM

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
If DeMar DeRozan is confirmed to test positive for COVID-19, Chicago would be eligible to apply for a hardship exception and sign a 16th player.
– Patrick Williams (extended injury)
– Coby White (health/safety)
– Javonte Green (health/safety)
– DeMar DeRozan (health/safety) – 6:19 PM

Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Donovan has nothing more to say than DeRozan is in health and safety protocols. Doesn’t know much else. #Bulls – 6:19 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Chi-Town drip 💧
#ULTRADrip x #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/1RsxM3UEsn – 6:18 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
LIVE: Coach Billy Donovan prior to tonight’s game against Denver twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 6:18 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
According to Billy Donovan, team doesn’t know if DeMar DeRozan returned false positive yet or not. – 6:18 PM

Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
I just wrote about the current COVID-19 outbreak plaguing the Bulls this morning. ⤵️
https://t.co/vDX3lUvw7l pic.twitter.com/YXYVgs3oKw – 6:10 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
We meet again, @Denver Nuggets.
@LiquiMolyUSA | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/pOSExKLDIN – 6:05 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls- Injury report. DeMar DeRozan has enter the NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols. – 5:57 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Davon Reed getting in early work at the UC. pic.twitter.com/eXUigVvKVK – 5:48 PM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
DeMar DeRozan has entered COVID-19 health and safety protocols and could be out for multiple games, per @Shams Charania. pic.twitter.com/MfRXvbYNd9 – 5:46 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
It’s our @goaawol digital shirt toss time!
RT now for a chance to win – the only way to get this shirt. pic.twitter.com/NnCbZKY5WA – 5:45 PM

Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
No DeMar DeRozan tonight for the Bulls against Denver. Health and safety protocols. More to come. But he’s the fourth Bulls player to land in the protocols this season. – 5:40 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
On the just-released injury report, Bulls list DeMar DeRozan out vs. Nuggets after entering league’s health and safety protocols. – 5:35 PM

Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
DeMar DeRozan will miss tonight’s game to enter the NBA’s health and safety protocols – 5:35 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan has entered into the league’s Covid-19 health and safety protocols, sources tell ESPN. DeRozan was the NBA’s Player of the Week in the Eastern Conference, averaging 30 points in a 3-0 week. – 5:34 PM

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Bulls star DeMar DeRozan has entered COVID-19 health and safety protocols and is listed out vs. Denver. DeRozan could miss several games in protocols. – 5:33 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I wrote about Aaron Gordon and Jeff Green and how they might have saved Denver’s season together. denverstiffs.com/2021/12/6/2282… – 5:20 PM

Davon Reed @ClutchREED_5
All Praise Due To The Most High God 🙏 What better way to celebrate your birthday PopPop, I miss you and I love you 💙‼️ #1of1 @ Madison Square Garden instagram.com/p/CXKE12Eru1x/… – 5:02 PM

Josh Martin @LonzoWire
DeRozan averaged more than 30 points per game as the Bulls won all three of their games last week. lonzowire.usatoday.com/2021/12/06/dem… – 4:58 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Aaron Gordon is shooting 75% at the rim this season. It’s a career-high and in the 94th percentile among all forwards.
46% of Gordon’s shot attempts are also coming at the rim, his most since 2015-16. pic.twitter.com/AZ9joPWsZU – 4:58 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Donovan Mitchell, DeMar DeRozan named NBA Players of the Week sportando.basketball/en/donovan-mit… – 4:53 PM

Alex Caruso @ACFresh21
Thinking of you @rogbennett pic.twitter.com/LxL15h8taE – 4:53 PM

Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Alex Caruso didn’t participate in Bulls’ shootaround this morning and is listed as doubtful vs. Nuggets with right hamstring strain – 4:21 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Tonight’s in-stadium giveaway = 🔥
This @BMOHarrisBank hat was designed by Chicago-based artist David Heo.
We’re also giving away three hats on social – tell us where you’d rep this hat for a chance to win! – 4:15 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#NBA Top 5 Power Rankings 👀:
1. #Suns 19-4 (Next game today vs. #Spurs)
2. #Warriors 19-4 (Next game today vs. #Magic)
3. #Bulls 16-8 (Next game today vs. #Nuggets)
4. #Nets 16-7 (Next game Tuesday vs. #Mavs)
5. #Bucks 15-9 (Next game today vs. #Cavs)
https://t.co/xZZh3DfoTb pic.twitter.com/UHwk4OO5E4 – 4:11 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Lonzo Ball has improved his 3P% every year.
30.5% in 2017-18
32.9% in 2018-19
37.5% in 2019-20
37.8% in 2020-21
42.3% this season pic.twitter.com/MxeTV96HWN – 4:05 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Over/Under 24 assists for the squad tonight?
Sign up with @PointsBetUSA to receive your first bets risk-free up to $2K: bit.ly/3DlZTq7
#MileHighBasketball – 4:02 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
James Johnson sat out against the Chicago Bulls with left shoulder soreness but is available for tomorrow’s game in Dallas against the Mavericks. #Nets – 3:56 PM

Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
Donovan Mitchell is the western conference player of the week. #Rockets Jae’Sean Tate & Christian Wood were among the nominees, also Nikola Jokić (DEN), Dejounte Murray (SAS). – 3:35 PM

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
DEMARVELOUS.
DeMar DeRozan has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/X3Gfnlk9tr – 3:35 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
DeMar DeRozan is the Eastern Conference player of week. – 3:31 PM

Alex Caruso @ACFresh21
Bruh it’s 230 and the sun is setting.. – 3:31 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
This week’s Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week have been announced via email press release (also the Bulls are back) – 3:30 PM

JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s Players of the Week for Week 7: Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell and Bulls swingman DeMar DeRozan. – 3:30 PM

Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
DeMar DeRozan is Eastern Conference player of the week. #Bulls – 3:30 PM

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
NBA Players of the Week for Week 7: Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell and Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan. – 3:30 PM

Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
On the call tonight for DEN/CHI at 8 ET with @Danny Leroux!
Join us live on League Pass and send in your NBA questions using #NBACast – 3:00 PM

Chris Dempsey @chrisadempsey
Getting tonight’s #Nuggets game to the 4th quarter with a chance to beat the Bulls is one thing. Dealing with the most lethal closing-quarter duo in the NBA once you get there, is another. Breaking down Zach Lavine and DeMar DeRozan in the clutch instagram.com/tv/CXIG9bOFvqL… – 2:56 PM

Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Alex Caruso is listed as doubtful with hamstring injury for tonight’s game vs. Denver. #Bulls – 2:52 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
“I feel like I bring this defensive presence that is infectious.”
@Davon Reed is 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/mXLNc7FoEN – 2:45 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Found this statue in our hotel in Chicago. I think it’s the first person to ever dab. Pretty unique piece of history here. pic.twitter.com/T8yjKwCwIZ – 2:38 PM

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
NEW: Flores addresses Fuller, Cristobal, more in press conference just now. And Dolphins nuggets on every position: miamiherald.com/sports/spt-col… – 2:10 PM