The shorthanded Toronto Raptors put up a gallant stand on Monday night, but they ultimately fell short against the Chicago Bulls, 113-99. The Raptors had several chances to steal the victory, but the Bulls did just enough to stymie the fightback and break their three-game losing skid.

The Raptors, playing without key guys Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby, leaned on Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Chris Boucher. But their dismal 18-point showing in the third quarter, compared to the Bulls' 30 points, proved to be costly in the end.

In a report by ESPN, VanVleet admitted that they ran out of steam in the third period, and the Bulls easily ran over them.

“You probably could say that. Give Chicago credit, they were really physical. They pushed us off the line, off our spots a little bit. I think we were begging a little bit for some calls there. They really asserted themselves and got out in transition, and we just never really closed the gap after that (15-0) run.”

DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine, who both scored 26 points, were instrumental in the Bulls' furious rally, building enough cushion to hold off the Raptors.

The Raptors dropped to 40-32 and remain at no. 7 in the Eastern Conference. They will have a two-day break before they try to bounce back on Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.