Bulls Game No. 19: Worn-out Bulls use balanced effort in win over Charlotte
24. Final. 95. 170. 102
After falling in double overtime on Tuesday night in their return home from a seven-game road trip, the Chicago Bulls hit the road once again to Charlotte for a meeting with Michael Jordan’s new-look Charlotte Hornets. The good news for the Bulls is, although there’s a new look and a new feel in Charlotte, the basketball has been just as bad as the Bobcats era.
On December 2, 2013, the Chicago Bulls fell to the New Orleans Pelicans in triple overtime at the United Center, 131-128. The game had just about everything, including Luol Deng scoring 37 points for the Bulls in the loss.
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On December 2, 2014, the Chicago Bulls fell to the Dallas Mavericks in double overtime at the United Center, 132-129.
Strangely enough, both of these games have something in common other than the dates they took place on: the Bulls would win their next games in each season.
After an early injury scare from Joakim Noah, the Bulls (12-7) were able to settle down and pick up their 12th win of the season on Wednesday night against Charlotte, 102-95.
Noah was outstanding despite the scare, scoring 14 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out seven assists in the victory for the Bulls. His fellow frontcourt star — Pau Gasol — scored 19 points and pulled down 15 rebounds, despite being put on a poster by Charlotte’s first round draft pick from 2013, Cody Zeller.
"“These types of games really make a big difference at the end of the season on your record,” Gasol said. “It’s a game that you can come in with low energy and try to cruise through and head out of here with another loss.“These types of games build character and show what you’re made of,” Gasol continued. “The team was able to do a good job and get a positive win here and now we can go home and get some rest.”-Pau Gasol on the Bulls bouncing back, CSNChicago.com"
Another positive in the balanced effort from the Bulls on Tuesday was at the point guard position. Even with a poor shooting night from Derrick Rose from the outside (2/7 from long range), his 10-point third quarter gave the Bulls a giant boost to extend the lead they held for the bulk of the night.
Kirk Hinrich was also able to bounce back from his “bone-headed” foul late on Wednesday night and hit three of the Bulls’ 12 three-pointers in 26 minutes of action.
(Side note: Hope you iced those ankles, Nikola. Ouch.)
But, he’s a good sport!
Thoughts + what’s next for the Bulls
Wednesday may have not been the best win for the Bulls, but the victory was exactly what the Bulls needed.
Picking up a road win against an Eastern Conference opponent — albeit, a bad one — is great for a team who just played in two overtimes the night before.
Even though Kemba Walker got hot for the Hornets in the third quarter, the Bulls were able to steady the ship and finish the Hornets off in convincing fashion to improve to 10-3 on the road this season.
The Bulls (12-7) enjoy a couple days off before a huge interconference meeting with arguably the best team in the NBA: the Golden State Warriors (15-2).
Tip-off from the United Center is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT on Saturday night.
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Next: Bulls Game No. 18: Bulls lose double overtime classic in return home