2008.09 Chicago Bulls Game-by-Game Recaps

Shawn Marion scored a season-high 34 points, Chris Bosh set one with 19 rebounds while scoring 21 points, and the Toronto Raptors closed their season by beating Chicago 109-98 to snap its season-high five-game win streak. That, along with Philadelphia's win at Cleveland, knocked the Bulls into the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with a first-round matchup against defending champion Boston.

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Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls loss to Raptors means Celtics in Playoffs

The Pistons blew another fourth-quarter lead in a 91-88 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The defeat means Detroit will face top-seeded Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs. Chicago (41-40) leads Philadelphia by a half-game for sixth. The Bulls finish the season against Toronto, while the 76ers have to play Boston and Cleveland. "It's so tight right now that every game is needed," said Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro. "The guys gutted it out in the fourth quarter and got us a big win."

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Playoff bound Bulls beat Pistons; avoid Cavs
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls lock up at least the 7th seed with a win on the road

Ben Gordon scored 39 points, John Salmons finished with 19 after a slow start and the Bulls hit the .500 mark for the first time since mid-November with a 113-106 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats. With the Bulls trailing 93-92 midway through the fourth, Salmons and Gordon hit back-to-back 3-pointers to start the decisive 10-point run and send Chicago to its fourth straight win and 11th in 14 games. Derrick Rose added 22 as the seventh-place Bulls (40-40) strengthened their standing in the Eastern Conference.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls beat Charlotte; eying Orlando?
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls love the United Center; 4th quarter rally sinks Bobcats

Tyrus Thomas and Ben Gordon each scored 24 points, and Chicago closed in on its fourth playoff appearance in five years with a 113-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Thomas set a season-high for points while converting a career-best 14 of 14 free throws. He scored 10 in the third quarter and Gordon added seven as the Bulls (39-40) turned a 50-50 halftime tie into an 82-72 lead, before pulling away in the fourth for their 13th home win in 14 games.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls show the spirit in beating 76ers
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls can feel it; Magic number is 1 for postseason party

Kirk Hinrich scored 25 points to lead five players in double figures as the Bulls beat the upset-minded New York Knicks 110-103. Chicago has won five straight and 12 of 13 at home - 26 of 38 overall - and has a half-game edge on idle Detroit for the seventh playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls also have a three-game lead on ninth-place Charlotte with four games left, including three at home.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls steal one from the Knicks
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls magic number is 2; take lead over Detroit for seventh in East

Ben Gordon scored 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, John Salmons added 17 and the Bulls beat the New Jersey Nets 103-94 for their eighth win in 11 games. Gordon missed his first 10 shots and was just 3-for-14 overall, but he hit a key 3-pointer and two free throws during a game-ending 10-0 run. Salmons was a bit shaky after missing a game with a strained left groin, hitting 7 of 16 shots, but the Bulls got solid contributions from Derrick Rose and the reserves. The star rookie finished with 15 points, while Miller and Tim Thomas added 13 and 12, respectively, off the bench.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls and Gordon ripple Nets, move closer to playoffs
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls survive to pick up a much needed win over NJ

T.J. Ford's shot with 3.9 seconds left gave the Pacers a 107-105 victory over the Bulls to tighten the race for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. Chicago had a chance to tie or win, but Ben Gordon missed a long shot that was signaled as a 3-pointer in the closing seconds. Derrick Rose had 24 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, Kirk Hinrich had 20 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, and Tyrus Thomas added 20 points for the Bulls.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls cough up another close one in Indy
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls outscored 11-2 down the stretch and lose at Indiana

Chris Bosh had 31 points and 15 rebounds, Andrea Bargnani scored 28 points and the Toronto Raptors beat the Bulls 134-129 in overtime. Ben Gordon scored 37 points and Derrick Rose had 23 as Chicago (36-39) failed to record its first five-game winning streak since Dec. 11-19, 2006. Joakim Noah had 16 and Brad Miller had 14 for the Bulls, who came in just ahead of Detroit for seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls can't beat the Raps this time
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls come up short in OT

John Salmons scored 22 points and hit two late 3-pointers, and the Bulls pulled out a wild 112-106 victory over the Indiana Pacers for their fourth straight win. Ben Gordon added 25 points as the Bulls (36-38) matched their longest win streak in two years with a victory that featured some dramatic swings. Chicago got seven blocked shots from Tyrus Thomas, who also had 18 points and eight rebounds.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Streaking Bulls shoot and block put Pacers
Chuck Swirsky: Tyrus Thomas throws a block party on W. Madison

Tyrus Thomas rose high for the alley-oop and let out a loud roar after a thunderous dunk late in the third quarter. The raucous crowd couldn't drown him out. Opponents are having trouble, too. John Salmons scored 27 points, Thomas came up big again and the Bulls beat Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat 106-87 for their sixth win in seven games. The Bulls (35-38) took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Heat 32-14, and moved into a seventh-place tie with Detroit in the Eastern Conference.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls on a run as they rout Miami
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls win third straight with impressive second half showing

Kirk Hinrich scored 24 points filling in for Derrick Rose, and the Chicago Bulls beat Detroit 99-91 to pull within a game of the seventh-place Pistons in the Eastern Conference. Hinrich had plenty of help from the rest of the starters - all of whom scored in double figures while playing at least 29 minutes. Ben Gordon scored 19, Tyrus Thomas had 18 points and 12 rebounds, Joakim Noah scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and John Salmons added 16 points as the Bulls (34-38) earned their fifth win in six games.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls rise to the occasion against Pistons without Rose
Chuck Swirsky: Without Rose, the Bulls find a way to turn back Detroit

Chicago hung on and beat the Washington Wizards 101-99 to improve to five games under .500, good enough to hold down the eighth and final playoff spot in the generously spread-out Eastern Conference standings. Ben Gordon scored all of his 21 points in the second half - including seven in the final 3 1/2 minutes - for the Bulls, who led 88-77 with 6:09 to play.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls hang on for a bonus victory in Washington
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls escape with a win in D.C.

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Pau Gasol added 23 and the Lakers rallied for a 117-109 victory over the Bulls in the first of a season-high, seven-game trip. John Salmons scored 30 and Derrick Rose 25 for the Bulls, who had tied a season high with three straight wins, but their luck ended against the Western Conference leaders. So did their seven-game home win streak.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Lakers show the Bulls how it's done this time
Chuck Swirsky: Lakers turn it on in the fourth quarter to beat Bulls

Derrick Rose didn't know what he had to do, but his team needed him to do something. A perfect second half took care of what was ailing the Bulls. Rose scored 20 of his 25 points and didn't miss a shot in the second half and the Bulls (32-37) snapped a seven-game road losing streak by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-96. John Salmons added 20 points and Ben Gordon scored 18 for the Bulls.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls thundering toward playoffs
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls end road rage in Oklahoma City

John Salmons tied a career high with 38 points, and the Chicago Bulls rallied for another surprising victory, beating the Celtics 127-121 despite 37 points from Paul Pierce.The Bulls (31-37) shot 70 percent in the fourth quarter, with Brad Miller scoring 13 of his 21 points and Derrick Rose and Salmons adding nine apiece.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Celts end up seeing red as Bulls go green
Chuck Swirsky: Luck? No way! Bulls beat Celtics on St. Patrick's Day

Ben Gordon scored 27 points, John Salmons added 24, and the bewildering Bulls pounded the surging New Orleans Hornets 97-79 despite another strong effort by Chris Paul. Salmons buried 5-of-8 3s, while Gordon rebounded from two subpar performances by hitting 3-of-7. Brad Miller added 15 points and nine rebounds for Chicago.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls come home to humiliate Hornets
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls love the home cookin'; romp past the Hornets before sellout crowd

Thaddeus Young scored a career-high 31 points and Andre Iguodala had 25 to spark Philadelphia to a 104-101 victory over Chicago in the final NBA game at the 42-year-old Spectrum. Derrick Rose finished with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists to lead the Bulls, who had five players score in double digits. John Salmons added 14 points and seven boards.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls fail to hit shot heard 'round the Spectrum
Chuck Swirsky: Another road game, another loss for the Bulls

Tony Battie had 18 points and eight rebounds, and the Magic got a big boost from the bench to clinch a playoff spot with a 107-79 win over the Chicago Bulls. John Salmons had 18 points and eight rebounds, and Brad Miller added 11 points for Chicago, which shot a mere 31.4 percent from the floor and had 16 turnovers. The Bulls (29-36), stuck in a back-and-forth battle with Milwaukee and New Jersey for the East's final playoff spot, will have to work out plenty of kinks to stay in the hunt.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls play in Orlando but fail to show up
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls give great effort only to fall in double OT

MVP candidate Dwyane Wade stole the ball from John Salmons with 3 seconds left, then made a running 3-pointer as time expired to lift the Heat to a wild 130-127 double-overtime win over the Chicago Bulls. Ben Gordon scored a season-high 43 points for the Bulls, including eight 3-pointers. Salmons scored 29 and Derrick Rose added 23 for the Bulls (29-35), who dropped to 0-3 against Miami this season and used only seven players.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls beaten by Heat in game for the ages
Chuck Swirsky: Long night at the office in Orlando

Ben Gordon got his shot going from the outside and Derrick Rose spent most of the night driving to the basket. The result was a 117-102 victory for the Chicago Bulls over the Milwaukee Bucks and sole possession of eighth place in the East. "Everybody around here is happy and we don't want to go back down, so we are going to fight for it,'' Rose said after matching a career high with 27 points.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls look great as they get to eight
Chuck Swirsky: Gordon & Rose spark Bulls over Bucks

John Salmons had 23 points and seven rebounds, Joakim Noah added 14 points and 17 rebounds and the Bulls beat the Golden State Warriors 110-88. Brad Miller finished with 19 points and six rebounds, Derrick Rose finished with 14 points and six assists, and the Bulls (28-34) pulled into a tie with Milwaukee for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls jump all over Warriors while Deng sits
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls get ready for Bucks with a win over Warriors

Four banged up Bobcats reached double figures, and Charlotte proved too tough for the undermanned Chicago Bulls in a 96-80 victory they hope continues an improbable journey to the playoffs. While the Bobcats played through the pain, the Bulls were without forwards Luol Deng (leg) and Tim Thomas (knee). Chicago fell behind early and never recovered. Tyrus Thomas had 14 points and 12 rebounds for the disjointed Bulls, who shot 39 percent and committed 18 turnovers.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls unprepared for the Charlotte menace
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls road problems continue in Carolina

Ron Artest was hitting from all angles, Yao Ming was scoring inside and the Bulls were staring at a 17-point deficit with little time remaining. But Derrick Rose scored 16 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, and the Bulls rallied to beat the Houston Rockets 105-102. Trailing 99-82 with just under six minutes left, the Bulls (27-33) outscored the Rockets 23-3 the rest of the way to pull out a dramatic win in their first home game since the deaths of franchise icons Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red'' Kerr.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Johnny Red and Norm would have appreciated this win
Chuck Swirsky: Johnny, Norm this one is for you! Bulls rally in 4th to beat Houston

With President Barack Obama at courtside - the first president in nearly a decade to make the mile-or-so jaunt over from the White House to attend an NBA game - and buoyed by a louder-than-usual crowd in a fuller-than-usual arena, Caron Butler and his last-place Wizards defeated Obama's team with a 113-90 victory over the Bulls (26-33). John Salmons scored 25 for the Bulls, who shot under 40 percent and were outrebounded 53-37.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls show President Obama huge deficits
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls lack sense of urgency in loss to Wizards

Devin Harris scored 19 of his 42 points in the fourth quarter and carried the New Jersey Nets for the second straight game in a 111-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Ben Gordon had 17 points and recently acquired John Salmons added 15 points to lead the Bulls (26-32), who were a woeful 7-for-25 from the field in the final quarter, including one of their first 11.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls add to the odor in New Jersey
Chuck Swirsky: Bank on it... Harris and the Nets beat the Bulls

Derrick Rose scored 22 to lead the Bulls (26-31), who got strong efforts from their three newcomers in a 120-102 victory over the Orlando Magic. The three Bulls acquired at the trade deadline combined for 37 points in their home debuts. Tim Thomas scored 17 points, John Salmons 11 and Miller had nine points, seven rebounds and five assists. All three came off the bench and each played more than 20 minutes.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls make Magic disappear with new tricks
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls rip Orlando behind three new players

Troy Murphy had a season-high 27 points and the Indiana Pacers, without their two injured scoring leaders, survived a second-half stretch of 11 minutes without a field goal to beat the Bulls 98-91. Ben Gordon had 28 points to lead Chicago, which used three of the five players that came to the Bulls in a series of trades. John Salmons, acquired from the Kings, scored 12 points. Brad Miller, also part of that deal, added 10 rebounds to go with six points off the bench.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls succumb to bright lights of Indy
Chuck Swirsky: Ford drives Indiana past Bulls, Orlando next

Ben Gordon scored a season-high 37 points to lead the short-handed Bulls to a 116-99 win over the Denver Nuggets. Luol Deng scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, and Tyrus Thomas added 21 and 12 to give the Bulls (25-30) their second straight win since dealing four players to the Sacramento Kings. Chauncey Billups scored 25 to lead Denver, which had its three-game winning streak stopped.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls leave Nuggets behind the 8-ball
Chuck Swirsky: Heart, character and effort in blowout win over Denver

With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, Kirk Hinrich scored a season-high 31 points - including three straight baskets during a critical stretch in the fourth quarter - and the suddenly short-handed Bulls (24-30) shook off the upheaval of a trade earlier in the day to beat the Bucks 113-104. Luol Deng added 21 for the Bulls, who were playing with a short bench after a trade with Sacramento for Brad Miller and John Salmons earlier in the day.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Heck no, Kirk doesn't want to go as Bulls beat Bucks
Chuck Swirsky: Road win caps off one busy day on and off the court

Shawn Marion's dunk with 1.1 seconds left gave the Miami Heat a 95-93 win over the host Bulls. Dwyane Wade scored 24 points, including eight in the fourth quarter and found Marion for the decisive dunk. Ben Gordon finished with 34 points for Chicago (23-30).

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls lose and you cannot believe this one
Chuck Swirsky: Painful way to head into All-Star break

On his back in front of the visitors bench, Ben Gordon didn't see his big shot fall through the net. Instead, he glanced at the scoreboard. "I did see the three go up,'' he said. Gordon then buried the free throw to complete the go-ahead four-point play, Derrick Rose and Tyrus Thomas made strong contributions late, and the Chicago Bulls (23-29) rallied to beat the Detroit Pistons 107-102.

Saluting an Icon: Bulls honor Johnny "Red" Kerr

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls make Pistons see red on Red Kerr night
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls celebrate night with a red hot 4th quarter to beat Detroit

Dirk Nowitzki delivered with 44 points - 14 in overtime - to send the Mavericks to a 115-114 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Ben Gordon scored 28 points, Tyrus Thomas added 23 points and 12 rebounds, and rookie Derrick Rose had 22 points and nine assists for the Bulls, who closed out a seven-game road trip at 4-3.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Oh, no! Another one-point overtime loss
Chuck Swirsky: Tough loss in Dallas but Bulls return to Chicago winners

With Chris Paul sidelined for his first full game with a strained right groin, Derrick Rose scored 21 points and the Bulls handed the struggling Hornets their fourth straight loss, 107-93. Ben Gordon added 19 points for the Bulls, who won for the fourth time in five games - all on the road. Chicago (22-28) had six players reach double digits in points and shot 56 percent, the highest field-goal percentage by a Hornets opponent this season.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls take it easy and win easily in the Big Easy
Chuck Swirsky: No Paul? No problem as Bulls win another road game

Yao Ming scored 28 and Luis Scola matched a career high with 18 rebounds in the Rockets' 107-100 win over Chicago. The Rockets won their six straight and 11th of 12 games against the Bulls. Luol Deng scored a season-high 28 and Ben Gordon scored 20 for Chicago (21-28), which had a three-game winning streak snapped.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls have a problem with Yao and Houston
Chuck Swirsky: When in doubt, go to Yao Ming

Owner Jerry Reinsdorf saw the Bulls win two in a row since he called his team a "disaster'' and "embarrassing.'' His critique seemed to be getting results, as the Bulls won their third straight on a Western trip, beating the Phoenix Suns 122-111. Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose each scored 26 points for Chicago (21-27), which never trailed and fended off several Phoenix rallies. The Bulls swept the season series from Phoenix for the first time since 1996-97.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Streaking Bulls. Yes! Streaking Bulls.Sam Smith: Is Amar'e Stoudemire now available?
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls sweep season series from Suns

Chicago won a game in Sacramento for the first time since Michael Jordan was wearing a Bulls uniform. Ben Gordon and Luol Deng each scored 20 points for the Bulls, who defeated the Kings 109-88 for the first time since Jordan scored 33 points in that Nov. 23, 1997, game. Joakim Noah, who was only 13 years old then, added 17 points, two short of his career high.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: It's a Bulls run in California with another blowout win
Chuck Swirsky: Bull-ieve it--another blowout road win

Luol Deng had 23 points and nine rebounds, rookie Derrick Rose added 21 points and six assists, and the Bulls blew open a close game in the third quarter to beat the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers 95-75. Tyrus Thomas had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Ben Gordon had 11 points and a season-high eight assists, and Joakim Noah added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Bulls (19-27), who outscored the Clippers 26-9 in the third period to take a 20-point lead.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Party time for the Bulls in L.A.
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls enjoy the good life at Staples

Al Jefferson scored a season-high 39 points and carried the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 109-108 overtime victory over the Bulls for their ninth win in 11 games. Ben Gordon led six Chicago (18-27) players in double figures with 23 points. Luol Deng had 22 points for Chicago, while Derrick Rose added 18 and Andres Nocioni 15.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls lose to Timberwolves and it's becoming habit forming
Chuck Swirsky: T-Wolves hand Bulls crushing defeating in OT

Jose Calderon had 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting and added 10 assists to help the Raptors snap a seven-game losing streak with a 114-94 victory over Chicago. Ben Gordon scored 19 points for the Bulls (18-26), who lost their fourth straight. Drew Gooden missed his second straight game because of a strained left groin and Chicago had 23 turnovers.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls lament is Oh, My Gosh, Canada in loss to Raptors
Chuck Swirsky: Losing streak hits four after Raps score 31 in the final quarter

Mike Bibby scored nine of his season-high 31 points in the final five minutes, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Bulls 105-102 to complete a three-game season sweep. Ben Gordon led Chicago (18-25) with 21 points, Andres Nocioni added 15, and Luol Deng had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose scored 13 apiece, but 18 turnovers did in the Bulls.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls fail again to bring their Hawk repellent
Chuck Swirsky: Turnovers, Bibby send Bulls to third straight loss

Chris Duhon scored with 31.2 seconds left to help lift New York to a 102-98 victory over the Bulls in an afternoon Martin Luther King Jr. Day game. Ben Gordon, the Bulls' leading scorer, had just eight points on 3-of-15 shooting. Luol Deng finished with 20 points for Chicago.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: The chalk body outline in New York this time was the Bulls
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls fail to get it done at crunch time

Tony Parker had 20 points and eight assists to lead the Spurs to a 92-87 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Andres Nocioni had 17 points and a season-high 15 rebounds for Chicago, while Ben Gordon added 20. The Spurs held Derrick Rose to 6-of-21 shooting for 12 points. He took the ball to the lane repeatedly, but never got to the free throw line.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Chapu!
Chuck Swirsky: Spurs deliver at crunch time in win over Bulls

Derrick Rose scored 16 points after a slow start and Luol Deng added 22 to lead Chicago to a surprising 102-93 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers after LeBron James missed a jumper at the end of regulation. Tied at 87 through regulation after James' 21-footer banged off the rim, the Bulls (18-22) scored 12 of the first 13 points in OT to avoid a four-game sweep by the Cavaliers.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Just another night at the UC: Bulls beat Cavs and LeBron
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls handle Cavs in OT; Give the game ball to UC crowd

Derrick Rose scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth, and Luol Deng had 16 points and 14 rebounds in his return to the starting lineup in the Bulls' 102-98 victory over the host Toronto Raptors. Rose had 10 assists and was 12-for-18 from the field to help the Bulls improve to 5-15 on the road this season. Andres Nocioni added 16 points, Kirk Hinrich had 12 and Ben Gordon 10 for Chicago (17-22), which had lost eight of 11 coming in.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Surprise, Toronto, that's what a Rose looks like in January
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls face the Raptors in Toronto

Travis Outlaw delivered in a big way, scoring a season-high 33 points, and Greg Oden added 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 109-95 victory over the Bulls in Chicago. Drew Gooden led Chicago (16-22) with 22 points and nine rebounds, Ben Gordon scored 17 and Derrick Rose finished with 13 points and 10 assists. Luol Deng added 14 points after missing eight games with a sprained left ankle.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: No more time for Mr. Nice Guy as Bulls lose to Portland
Chuck Swirsky: Good news, bad news for the Bulls

Kevin Durant scored 28 points, Nick Collison added a season-high 21, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied to beat the Chicago Bulls 109-98 in overtime. Chicago got 22 points from Ben Gordon, and 20 from Drew Gooden, who also had 12 rebounds. The Bulls (16-21) got outrebounded 59-37 and allowed the Thunder to grab 22 on the offensive end. That led to 28 second-chance points and 54 overall in the paint.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Relax Bulls fans, it's not that bad
Chuck Swirsky: Tough night at the office for the Bulls as they fall to OKC

Larry Hughes scored 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, Ben Gordon had 22 and the Bulls hung on for a 98-86 victory over the Washington Wizards after watching a 21-point lead dwindle to seven in the fourth quarter. Chicago led 78-57 early in the fourth before Washington made its move. The Wizards were within 89-82 after Antawn Jamison's layup with just under three minutes left, but Gordon answered with one of his own and the Bulls hung on.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls show Washington how it's done
Chuck Swirsky: Gooden, Thomas pace Bulls over Washington

Ben Gordon scored 24 points and the Bulls beat the Sacramento Kings 99-94 to snap a three-game losing streak. The Bulls converted 33 of 36 free throws, but the three they missed nearly cost them. After making its first 29, Chicago converted just four of its final seven, allowing Sacramento to stay in the game. Drew Gooden had two of the misses, nearly spoiling a big return in which he had 18 points and 10 rebounds after being sidelined with a sprained right ankle.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls overthrow Kings: free selves from bonds of defeat
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls hang on to beat Kings; NBA news and notes

Randy Foye scored 21 points, Al Jefferson added 18 points and 14 rebounds and the Minnesota won consecutive games for the first time this season, beating Chicago 102-92. Derrick Rose pulled the Bulls to 85-84 with 2:33 left, but the Wolves answered with Sebastian Telfair's jumper and Ryan Gomes' 3 with 2:02 left to make it 90-84. Rose finished with 22 points, and Tyrus Thomas had 15 points, seven rebounds and eight blocked shots for Chicago.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: We're not kidding: Timberwolves too much for Bulls
Chuck Swirsky: Losses starting to mount for struggling Bulls

Anderson Varejao scored a career-high 26 points and LeBron James had a triple-double as the Cavaliers stayed unbeaten on their floor with a 117-92 win over the Chicago Bulls. Ben Gordon scored 22 points, and Lindsey Hunter 13 for the Bulls, who shot just 37 percent and have lost five of six.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Once the Bulls always did this to the Cavs
Chuck Swirsky: Varejao scores career high; James records triple-double in Cavs win

Joakim Noah was one of five Chicago players in double figures with a career-high 19 points, but the Bulls never really established an offensive rhythm as they dropped a 113-94 home decision to the Magic. Ben Gordon contributed 18 points and Larry Hughes chipped in 15.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Magic celebrate New Year at Bulls' house and leave a mess
Chuck Swirsky: File and forget; Bulls move on, Cleveland next

Derrick Rose doesn't remember what he was doing on April 17, 2001. "I was in grammar school, probably in the sixth grade,'' Rose said after leading the Chicago Bulls (14-17) to their first victory in New Jersey since that date, 100-87 over the Nets. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft had 21 points and a season-high 13 assists, while Ben Gordon scored 24 points.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls get defensive in win over Nets
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls end seven-game road slide as bench delivers

Ben Gordon exploded for 33 points and rookie Derrick Rose added 27, but it wasn't enough as the Bulls came up short down the stretch in a 129-117 road loss to the Hawks. Tyrus Thomas recorded 15 points and nine rebounds. Thabo Sefolosha had 14 points.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls and Hawks at the OK Three-Point Corral
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls hot, Hawks hotter; Johnson with 41 as Atlanta wins

Dwyane Wade scored 28 points and Miami pulled away in the fourth quarter as the Heat eclipsed last season's win total by dominating the second half and beating the Bulls, 90-77. Ben Gordon had 15 points for the Bulls, who shot just 37 percent. Larry Hughes scored 13 for Chicago and Derrick Rose finished with only 10 on 3-for-14 shooting.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls angriest after loss in Miami
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls shut down in 4th in loss to Miami

Larry Hughes led a balanced attack with 19 points and five assists, but the Bulls (13-15) couldn't overcome a big first-half deficit in a 104-98 loss in Detroit. Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni scored 18 points apiece for Chicago, which shot 47 percent from the field.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls stuck trying to stop Stuckey and Pistons
Chuck Swirsky: Stuckey too much; Pistons take advantage of turnovers

Derrick Rose had 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, and Ben Gordon scored 26 points in the Chicago Bulls' 106-98 victory over Deron Williams and the Utah Jazz.

"He's (Rose) been doing it all season,'' Williams said. "He's a great player. He's not playing like a rookie. I don't think he's a rookie anymore. He's one of the best point guards in the league and he definitely took it over.''

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Rose and Bulls are Jazzier again against Utah
Chuck Swirsky: Rose outstanding in 4th; Sefolosha stars on defense

Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt watched from courtside as the Celtics beat the Chicago Bulls 126-108 and improved their record to 25-2. Luol Deng scored 19 points with seven rebounds for Chicago (12-14), and Andres Nocioni came off the bench after Drew Gooden sprained his right ankle in the first quarter and scored 16.

Sam Smith: Could Celtics achieve 70 wins?

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls on the defensive in loss to Celtics
Chuck Swirsky: Tough night at the office for the Bulls

Derrick Rose converted a decisive three-point play in overtime, and Ben Gordon made a four-point play with 20.5 seconds left in regulation in the Bulls' 115-109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Andres Nocioni and Ben Gordon each had 22 points to help Chicago (12-13) improve to 9-3 at home. The Bulls scored the final nine points in overtime.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls have better Gordon in win over Clippers
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls win a thriller; NBA news and notes

Ben Gordon scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, but the Bulls (11-13) lost the lead late in regulation and eventually fell, 110-101, in overtime to the host Bobcats. Tyrus Thomas added a season-high 22 points and Luol Deng finished with 15 points and six boards.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: A call most foul puts Bulls in a bad mood
Sam Smith: MJ wasn't here, but he knows what's going on

Ben Gordon scored 29 points and Derrick Rose had nine of his 22 in the fourth quarter to lead Chicago to a 113-104 victory over the New Jersey Nets. Chicago (11-12) got help from its young front line, who had been inconsistent all season. Tyrus Thomas scored 16 points and Joakim Noah added seven points and eight rebounds for the Bulls, who improved to 8-3 at home.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Thomas and Noah--yes they can!
Chuck Swirsky: Passion, energy, blocks & the home crowd equal victory

Luol Deng scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half, but the Bulls (10-12) watched a slim halftime lead slip away en route to a 103-96 road loss to the Grizzlies. Ben Gordon led the way with 26 points, while rookie Derrick Rose in his return to his college town had 11 assists.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Small doesn't come up big for Bulls this time
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls lose to Grizz; Warrick dominates in 4th quarter

Larry Hughes connected on a late 3-pointer to break a 97-all tie with 55 seconds that sent the Bulls to a 105-100 victory over the New York Knicks. Drew Gooden led the Bulls (10-11) with a season-high 22 points and 16 rebounds. Gordon, who tied the game at 97 with a 3-pointer, added 17 points and Hughes had 16.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls show D'Antoni the run and shoot game
Chuck Swirsky: Assists key Bulls win over Washington

Luol Deng scored a season-high 26 points, and Ben Gordon added 21 to help the Chicago Bulls (9-11) beat the Washington Wizards 117-110. Deng, who signed a six-year contract extension in the offseason, was shooting just 41 percent from the field coming into the game, but finished the game 11-for-19.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls win Run, Pass and Shoot competition over Wizards
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls hold off Knicks; NBA news & notes

The Bulls cut the Bucks' lead down to five within the final minute, but couldn't close the gap in a 97-90 road loss in Milwaukee. Ben Gordon led the way for Chicago (8-11) with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Luol Deng added 21 points and six rebounds.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: No passing the Bucks this time for the Bulls
Chuck Swirsky: Great Gadzuric! Bucks top Bulls

Tyrus Thomas' putback dunk with 17.6 seconds remaining in regulation forced overtime, but the Bulls (8-10) slipped in the extra session as they dropped a 103-95 home decision to the Sixers. Rookie Derrick Rose led the way with 24 points, while Ben Gordon added 18.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: What! The Bulls lost to THAT 76ers team?
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls run out of gas; off to Milwaukee

Ben Gordon scored 21 points, Drew Gooden had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls rallied from an early 15-point deficit for a 103-92 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Derrick Rose contributed 18 points and 10 assists and reached double figures in assists for the first time this season. Reserve Larry Hughes had 16 points for the Bulls (8-9), who won for the third time in 10 games on the road.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls end circus trip by making 76ers the clowns
Chuck Swirsky: Post Thanksgiving... Bulls share the wealth in Philly!

Looking for their third win on a seven-game road trip, the Bulls went cold in the second half and gave up the lead in a 98-88 loss at San Antonio. Ben Gordon scored 23 points and Drew Gooden added 20 and 12 rebounds.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Rookie does it again! No, not that one.
Chuck Swirsky: Duncan, Hill, Manu prove too much for the Bulls

Even when he missed, Derrick Rose was on target. The Chicago rookie tied his career high with nine assists and accidentally set up Larry Hughes' game-winning shot as the Bulls beat the Jazz 101-100, giving Utah its first home loss of the season. With Chicago (7-8) trailing 100-99, Rose took an 18-foot jumper that bounced high off the rim and right to Hughes, who beat the buzzer and the Jazz from 22 feet away.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls walk off with a win as Jazz exclaim 'Oh Guard'
Chuck Swirsky: Hughes hits game winning shot; Rose spectacular in Utah

The determined Bulls traded leads with the host Nuggets throughout the second half before fading in the late stages of a 114-101 defeat. Ben Gordon led Chicago (6-8) with a game-high 28 points, while Drew Gooden posted 21 and seven rebounds.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Too much time admiring the view
Chuck Swirsky: Late 4th quarter run too much for the Bulls

Larry Hughes made five 3-pointers and finished with 26 points, and Derrick Rose scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half of the Bulls' 115-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Drew Gooden had 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Bulls (6-7), who won for the first time on their brutal seven-game trip.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Going small gets the Bulls a big win
Chuck Swirsky: Bulls bag first road win and Rose is spectacular

Andres Nocioni posted 13 points, but the Bulls were never able to overcome a slow start in a 116-74 loss to the Blazers. Portland outscored Chicago (5-7) in every quarter and established season highs for points in the first half (62) and game. Portland shot nearly 51 percent from the field (42-of-83) and outrebounded Chicago 49-33.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Depression sets in as Bulls lose 2001 styleChuck Swirsky: Long night at the Rose Garden

In the opener of a seven-game West Coast road trip, the Bulls could not overcome the Los Angeles Lakers, dropping a 116-109 decision. Rookie Derrick Rose led Chicago (5-6) with 25 points and nine assists while committing just two turnovers. Ben Gordon added 23 points and Aaron Gray had 11 for the Bulls.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls play standins for Lakers ShowChuck Swirsky: Too much Pau, on to Portland

Besides his quick first step and fearless forays to the basket, Derrick Rose displayed his 3-point shot while scoring 23 points and helping the Bulls (5-5) beat the Indiana Pacers 104-91. Rose has hit in double figures in each of his first 10 games - the first Chicago rookie to accomplish that since Michael Jordan.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: A Rose by any other name would smell as sweetChuck Swirsky: Bulletin just in: Rose is good... really good!

Ben Gordon erupted for 35 points as the Bulls (4-5) surged past the Mavericks, 98-91, at home to snap their two-game slide. Rookie Derrick Rose fired off 14 of his 16 points in a huge third quarter for Chicago.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Hey Dallas, don't bring that weak stuff in hereChuck Swirsky: There's a reason why an NBA game is 48 minutes!

On a night when leading scorer Joe Johnson had trouble with his shot, Hawks forward Al Horford scored a career-high 27 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and blocked six shots to lead a 113-108 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Rookie Derrick Rose led the Bulls (3-5) with 26 points to match his career high and had a career-best 10 rebounds. Andres Nocioni chipped in 20 points.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Not a Rosy nightChuck Swirsky: Hawks top Bulls; Rose & Horford future
All-Stars

Ben Gordon continued his scorching shooting with 29 points and Derrick Rose impressed again with 17 points and nine assists, but the Bulls (3-4) couldn't overcome the visiting Cavaliers in a 106-97 defeat. Luol Deng added 20 points. It was a difficult night for the Bulls, who learned guard Kirk Hinrich will miss up to three months with a thumb injury.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith:
Remember when that Bulls guy always did this to the Cavs? | Sam Smith:
Can't Dr. McCoy help Captain Kirk? | Chuck Swirsky: Too much LeBron -- been there, done that!

The Bulls have had trouble winning on the road this season, but are having no problems at home. Ben Gordon fired off 23 points as Chicago (3-3) thrashed Phoenix, 100-83, to improve to 3-0 at the United Center. Rookie Derrick Rose poured in 18 points, while Drew Gooden added 11.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Happy times are here againChuck Swirsky: Bulls cool off Suns; busy night in NBA

Ben Gordon scored 14 of his season-high 31 points in the fourth quarter, but a late rally by the Bulls (2-3) came up short in a 107-93 loss at Cleveland. Rookie sensation Derrick Rose continued his strong play as he collected 20 points and seven assists.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Time for change in America and the Bulls lineup?Chuck Swirsky: Bulls vs. Cavs post-game hits

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 15 rebounds to lead the host Orlando Magic past the Bulls, 96-93. Ben Gordon missed a fall-away jumper with 15 seconds left that would have tied the game. Rashard Lewis made two of four free throws in the final 23 seconds before Andres Nocioni missed a leaning 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have send the game into overtime. Drew Gooden led Chicago (2-2) with 21 points. Nocioni added 20 and Gordon 17.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Not a magical night for the BullsChuck Swirsky: Crazy game as Bulls lose to Magic

Rookie Derrick Rose scored 26 points, including 10 in the second quarter to keep the Bulls within eight at halftime, to lead Chicago (2-1) to a 96-86 victory over the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. Kirk Hinrich added 18 points, including 5-of-7 on 3-pointers, while Drew Gooden grabbed 20 rebounds.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Bulls have this season's Rookie of the YearChuck Swirsky: Rose to the rescue

It was a rough shooting night for the Bulls, who ran into the championship defense of the Boston Celtics in a 96-80 road loss. Rookie Derrick Rose again showed flashes of brilliance with a team-high 18 points, while Chicago (1-1) made only 10 of 45 shots (22.2 percent) in the first half and went 25-for-84 (29.8 percent) for the game.

Bulls Blogs: Sam Smith: Frightful night for the BullsChuck Swirsky: Chicago faces tough challenge

While Derrick Rose elicited oohs, aahs and groans, Luol Deng and Ben Gordon provided enough big shots to lead the Chicago Bulls (1-0) to a 108-95 victory over former coach Scott Skiles and the Milwaukee Bucks in the season opener on Oct. 28.