Recapping the Chicago Bulls: Andre Drummond shows out in a 4th-quarter surge that cements a 128-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs

© Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS Bulls guard Coby White (0) drives to the basket during the second quarter against the Spurs on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, at the United Center

In the fourth quarter of the Chicago Bulls’ 128-104 win Monday, the San Antonio Spurs couldn’t keep Andre Drummond off the rim.

The veteran center crunched the ball through the hoop three times in the quarter. Each time he dangled off the metal — with one hand, with both, mouth open in a roar, lip curling into a snarl — to punctuate a dominant night in which he logged 21 points and 15 rebounds.

Monday’s performance at the United Center was a welcome vindication for Drummond, who was a healthy scratch in five of the previous 11 games as coach Billy Donovan struggled to fit the bulky center into his rotations.

And it was a welcome contribution for the Bulls, who improved to one game below .500 with their third consecutive win.

The highs

© Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS Bulls center Andre Drummond dunks the ball during the second half against the Spurs on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, at the United Center. The lows

The quote

On top of his scoring and rebounding, Drummond recorded a team-high three steals — one of which came off his signature move of floating in the backcourt and snagging an outlet pass to the perimeter.

Drummond has used this move to take advantage of lackadaisical outlet passes throughout his career. After the game, he teased opponents for not picking up on it.

“I don’t know how teams haven’t done the scouting report on that,” Drummond said. “I’ve done that for 11 years, you can check the tapes. I’ve done that religiously. It’s something that I’m good at. I read the game, I know who has the ball, I know who’s going to make a lazy pass, so I just prepared myself for it.”

Stat of the game

Two-thirds of the Bulls’ scoring advantage came in the paint, where they outscored the Spurs 74-58.

Injury report

Alex Caruso missed a second consecutive game because of a sore left foot suffered when he landed awkwardly in Thursday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets. Caruso was a game-time decision and warmed up with the team.

Where they stand

The Bulls improved to 26-27 and remained ninth in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Atlanta Hawks.

What comes next

The Bulls head out on a three-game trip, playing the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. The three opponents have a 98-64 combined record.

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