Spurs-Bulls Preview

By MATT BECKER
Posted Oct 29 2009 1:55AM

How the Chicago Bulls fare this season depends largely on the play of reigning Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose.

Suiting up for the opener will be a good start.

After missing most of the preseason due to an inflamed tendon behind his right ankle, Rose is expected to play for the Bulls in Thursday's season opener at the United Center against the San Antonio Spurs, who should have starting point guard Tony Parker back in the lineup after he left their first game early.

Following a 49-loss 2007-08, Chicago won the draft lottery despite long odds and selected Rose with the first pick of the 2008 draft.

The hometown star took over the reins at point guard and did a solid job of directing the offense. He led all rookies with 6.3 assists per game and finished second among first-year players with a 16.8 scoring average while leading the Bulls to a 41-41 record and a playoff berth.

Chicago was eliminated in the first round by Boston, but the Bulls didn't go quietly, losing an epic seven-game series featuring a league-record four overtime contests. Rose made an immediate impact, matching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA record with 36 points in his playoff debut.

As Rose went in the playoffs, so went the Bulls. He averaged 29.0 points on 55.7 percent shooting and 9.0 assists in the three wins, but 12.8 points on 42.4 percent shooting and 4.5 assists in the four losses.

For the Bulls to be successful this season, they need Rose to be more consistent. They also need him to be healthy.

Rose played in just the preseason opener before missing the final seven exhibition games with the nagging ankle injury. He is expected to play in the opener, but his minutes will likely be limited.

"We just need to hurry up and jell quick because we can make it far in the season," he said.

Rose struggled a bit against San Antonio as a rookie, averaging 11.0 points with the Bulls losing both games. Chicago has dropped four straight to the Spurs and 18 of the last 21 meetings.

The core of the Bulls remains much the same as last season with Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, John Salmons and Luol Deng all returning, but they'll need someone to take the place of top scorer Ben Gordon, who signed as a free agent with Detroit in the offseason.

Salmons and Deng appear to be the top candidates.

Salmons, acquired with Brad Miller from Sacramento in February, started 21 games for the Bulls, averaging 18.3 points. He averaged 26.5 on 65.4 percent shooting in two games against the Spurs - both while still with the Kings.

Deng averaged 17.0 points and 6.3 rebounds for Chicago in 2007-08, but missed the final 22 games last season plus the playoffs with a stress fracture in his right tibia and finished with his lowest scoring average (14.1) since his 2004-05 rookie season.

"I want to win,'' a healthy Deng said. "I want to be out there. I want to compete. Whatever comes individually, I think that will take care of itself, but I think the main thing and the main mindset is just competing and playing like we did in the playoffs. I think the team that we have, the chemistry is going to be great.''

The Spurs arrive in Chicago following a season-opening 113-96 win over New Orleans on Wednesday.

Parker landed with a thud on his right side after slicing between two Hornets players for a layup late in the third quarter. The AT&T Center crowd gasped as the three-time All-Star lay scrunched up and wincing for more than a minute before walking back to the bench on his own.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Parker, who finished with team highs of 17 points and six assists in 26 minutes, simply had the wind knocked out of him.

Parker left the locker room without speaking to reporters but appeared fine.

While veteran Richard Jefferson had a disappointing San Antonio debut, scoring five points and shooting 1 of 7, rookie DeJuan Blair looked stellar in his first game, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

"He's showing really good maturity so far,'' Popovich said of the All-American from Pittsburgh. "You just have to give him credit. He's got a great way about him and let the game come to him.''

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Spirited effort leads Bulls over Spurs

By Kent McDill, for NBA.com
Posted Friday October 30, 2009 12:03AM

CHICAGO (NBA.com exclusive) -- If the Bulls are going to win this season, they are going to do it with the kind of effort they put in Thursday night in their season opener at the United Center.

Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, Tyrus Thomas and Luol Deng played tremendously, and the Bulls took advantage of the spirit that comes from a season-opening home crowd to score a surprisingly easy 92-85 victory over the visiting San Antonio Spurs.

While the Spurs played an uninspired game one night after their impressive home-opening win over New Orleans, the Bulls opened up hot, survived a stretch of silly basketball, then put their best attributes on display for the rest of the game. They won because of better effort, and because they converted the effort into points on most occasions.

"They had more guys come to compete than we did,'' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "They were more aggressive; loose balls, boards, the whole deal."

Want proof? The Bulls got 15 offensive rebounds, allowed the Spurs just eight offensive boards and only 13 second-chance points and even outscored the Spurs in the paint, 40-38.

By the end of the game the Spurs actually had a better shooting percentage, but by then it was too late as the Bulls took control of the game in the third quarter and never relented.

"We look at them as one of the best teams in the league, so this was a good win,'' Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich said.

There were numerous key performances from the Bulls, and it would be difficult to pick one over another.

Deng, who missed most of last season due to injury and had lost some of his esteem among fans before that, scored 17 points and had nine rebounds. His inside play was notable, especially since critics believe he is afraid to go inside.

Thomas had 13 points and six rebounds, and carried the team during a 21-6 run in the third quarter that pulled them out in front.

Noah got his first double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds -- six of which were off the offensive glass.

And Rose, who missed most of the preseason with a very worrisome ankle injury, played 33 minutes, scoring 13 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Even in the fourth quarter, when his body might have been asking him to do otherwise, he was charging into the lane on drives.

"We were very balanced tonight, and I'm pleased we pushed the tempo when we had it,'' Del Negro said. "We went after it on the glass, and I liked the way we responded when they made a run."

In the first three minutes, the Bulls were playing with a youthful enthusiasm the Spurs were clearly not in the mood to match.

The Bulls jumped out to an 8-2 lead as Noah scored twice inside, Rose made a stunning interior block against Richard Jefferson, and the Bulls refused to allow the Spurs any second chance shots. The Spurs had no offensive rebounds in the first quarter, a part of the defensive improvement the Bulls have promised for this season.

"Our defensive intensity, compared to last year, you can see a definite improvement,'' Noah said. "We have to keep it up and come playoff time, we will be a better defensive team."

The Spurs led after one quarter, and had a 46-44 lead near the end of the second quarter when the Bulls put on a show to take the halftime lead. Following a timeout with 23.4 seconds left, the ball went out to John Salmons in the left corner. His shot was off the mark but Deng came up with an offensive rebound, fought to retain possession, then got the ball out to Hinrich at the top of the arc for a 3-pointer.

Thomas sparked the third quarter when the Bulls took control of the game, scoring 10 points and grabbing three rebounds as the Bulls took a 74-64 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Spurs, oddly, offered little resistance to the outcome in the fourth quarter. They got no closer than seven points and that came on the last scoring play of the game.

"They just outplayed us,'' Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. "They had a better effort from more guys than we did. We had one guy play well and the rest of us not so good. We couldn't help him out."

Spurs forward Tim Duncan had 28 points on 13-of-19 shooting and had 16 rebounds, 14 of them off the defensive glass. The only other Spur in double figures was Ginobili with 12 points.

"Timmy was incredible,'' Popovich said. "He doesn't care what the situation is, he just wants to play and compete. I'm sure he was disappointed in the outcome."

• Spurs: Hairston, Haislip, Mahinmi
• Bulls: Gray, James

• Spurs: --
• Bulls: --

• Lead Changes: 10
• Times Tied: 5

• Arena: United Center, Chicago, IL
• Officials: #48 Scott Foster, #40 Leon Wood, #65 Sean Wright
• Attendance: 21412
• Duration: 2:29

San Antonio Spurs (20-13)		Chicago Bulls (15-18)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Noah vs Duncan (Rose gains possession)
	11:43	Salmons Jump Shot: Missed
	11:42	Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	11:42 [CHI 2-0]	Noah Tip Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Jefferson 3pt Shot: Missed	11:17
	11:16	Salmons Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:58 [CHI 4-0]	Deng Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Noah (1 AST)
Parker Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Rose (1 ST)	10:45
	10:38	Thomas Jump Shot: Missed
Finley Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:37
Jefferson 3pt Shot: Missed	10:23
	10:22	Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	10:12	Thomas Jump Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:11
Jefferson Layup Shot: Missed Block: Rose (1 BLK)	10:06
	10:04	Deng Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:47 [CHI 6-0]	Salmons Floating Jump shot: Made (2 PTS)
Duncan Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Finley (1 AST)	09:28 [SAS 2-6]
	09:05	Noah Layup Shot: Missed Block: Duncan (1 BLK)
Bonner Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:03
Parker Layup Shot: Missed	08:59
	08:58	Salmons Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	08:52 [CHI 8-2]	Noah Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Rose (1 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	08:46
Finley Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Bonner (1 AST)	08:35 [SAS 4-8]
	08:13	Noah Foul : Offensive (1 PF)
	08:13	Noah Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
Jefferson Jump Shot: Missed	07:58
	07:57	Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	07:47	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	07:45
Bonner 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Parker (1 AST)	07:39 [SAS 7-8]
	07:39	Instant Replay - Overturn Ruling
	07:14	Noah Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
Jefferson Substitution replaced by Ginobili	07:14
Duncan Hook Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Ginobili (1 AST)	07:03 [SAS 9-8]
	06:41	Thomas Layup Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	06:40
Parker Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Salmons (1 ST)	06:34
	06:24	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	06:23
Bonner Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	06:13
	05:54	Salmons Jump Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	05:53
Ginobili Jump Shot: Missed	05:43
	05:41	Thomas Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	05:41	Thomas Foul : Offensive (1 PF)
	05:41	Thomas Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
	05:41	Thomas Substitution replaced by Hinrich
	05:41	Rose Substitution replaced by Gibson
Parker Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	05:31 [SAS 11-8]
	05:18 [CHI 10-11]	Deng Floating Jump shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Hinrich (1 AST)
Duncan Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Parker (2 AST)	05:06 [SAS 13-10]
Bonner Foul : Personal (1 PF)	04:53
Bonner Substitution replaced by McDyess	04:53
Finley Substitution replaced by Mason	04:53
	04:53	Noah Substitution replaced by Miller
	04:44	Miller Jump Shot: Missed
McDyess Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	04:43
McDyess Jump Shot: Missed	04:34
	04:33	Miller Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	04:25	Hinrich Jump Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)	04:23
Parker Jump Shot: Missed	04:13
	04:12	Deng Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Duncan Foul : Personal (1 PF)	04:01
Parker Substitution replaced by Hill	04:01
	03:54	Gibson Jump Shot: Missed
Hill Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	03:53
Ginobili Driving Jump shot: Made (2 PTS)	03:44 [SAS 15-10]
	03:44	Salmons Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Ginobili Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)	03:44 [SAS 16-10]
	03:40	Team Timeout : Regular
Duncan Substitution replaced by Blair	03:40
	03:28	Deng Layup Shot: Missed
	03:26	Miller Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	03:26 [CHI 12-16]	Miller Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
McDyess Jump Shot: Missed	03:11
	03:09	Gibson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	02:59	Gibson Jump Bank Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	02:57
Blair Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	02:37
	02:18	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
	02:17	Deng Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	02:14 [CHI 14-16]	Deng Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Blair Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: McDyess (1 AST)	01:55 [SAS 18-14]
	01:39	Gibson Hook Shot: Missed
McDyess Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	01:37
Hill Jump Shot: Missed Block: Hinrich (1 BLK)	01:22
	01:20	Gibson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	01:13	Hinrich Jump Shot: Missed Block: Hill (1 BLK)
	01:11	Gibson Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
Blair Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	01:11
	01:11 [CHI 15-18]	Gibson Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	01:11 [CHI 16-18]	Gibson Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Ginobili Driving Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS)	00:56.2 [SAS 20-16]
	00:46.2 [CHI 19-20]	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS)
Hill Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)	00:46.2
	00:46.2	Salmons Substitution replaced by Pargo
	00:46.2 [CHI 20-20]	Miller Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)
Ginobili 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS)	00:29.8 [SAS 23-20]
	00:10.9 [CHI 22-23]	Hinrich Driving Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS)
Mason 3pt Shot: Missed	00:00.0
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 1st Quarter
San Antonio Spurs (20-13)		Chicago Bulls (15-18)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Mason 3pt Shot: Missed Block: Pargo (1 BLK)	11:44
	11:42	Thomas Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	11:34	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Missed
	11:33	Gibson Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	11:33 [CHI 24-23]	Gibson Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Blair Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	11:33
Blair Substitution replaced by Ratliff	11:33
	11:33	Gibson Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
McDyess Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	11:31
	11:24	Hinrich Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	11:18	Hinrich Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
McDyess Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	11:18 [SAS 24-24]
	11:18	Hinrich Substitution replaced by Rose
McDyess Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	11:18
	11:16	Gibson Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
	10:51	Rose 3pt Shot: Missed
Mason Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:50
	10:36	Miller Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Jefferson Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	10:36
Team Rebound	10:36
Jefferson Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	10:36
	10:35	Miller Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
McDyess Foul : Personal (1 PF)	10:30
	10:22 [CHI 26-24]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Hill 3pt Shot: Missed	10:04
	10:03	Rose Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:00	Rose Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Hill (1 ST)
Hill Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	09:49
	09:42	Hill Violation:Kicked Ball
	09:31 [CHI 28-24]	Rose Floating Jump shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Gibson (1 AST)
Ratliff Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	09:31
Hill Substitution replaced by Parker	09:31
	09:31 [CHI 29-24]	Rose Free Throw 1 of 1 (5 PTS)
Miller Violation:Kicked Ball	09:28
	09:13	Rose Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Jefferson Turnaround Fade Away shot: Made (2 PTS)	09:06 [SAS 26-29]
Mason Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	08:50
	08:50	Timeout : Regular
McDyess Substitution replaced by Finley	08:50
Mason Substitution replaced by Bonner	08:50
Ratliff Substitution replaced by Duncan	08:50
	08:50 [CHI 30-26]	Gibson Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	08:50 [CHI 31-26]	Gibson Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
Duncan Turnaround Fade Away shot: Made (8 PTS)	08:31 [SAS 28-31]
	08:13	Pargo Jump Shot: Missed
Jefferson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	08:12
	08:00	Thomas Foul : Defense 3 Second (1 PF)
Finley Free Throw Technical (3 PTS)	08:00 [SAS 29-31]
	08:00	Miller Substitution replaced by Noah
	08:00	Pargo Substitution replaced by Salmons
Parker Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)	07:54 [SAS 31-31]
	07:54	Rose Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Parker Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed	07:54
	07:53	Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	07:43	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
	07:41	Rose Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	07:26 [CHI 33-31]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Duncan Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Jefferson (1 AST)	07:14 [SAS 33-33]
	06:57	Salmons Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Duncan (1 ST)
	06:53	Thomas Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
	06:53	Gibson Substitution replaced by Deng
Finley Substitution replaced by Ginobili	06:53
Jefferson Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	06:53
Team Rebound	06:53
Jefferson Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)	06:53 [SAS 34-33]
	06:34	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
Bonner Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:33
Jefferson Running Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS)	06:20 [SAS 36-33]
	06:00 [CHI 35-36]	Noah Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Salmons (1 AST)
Parker Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Duncan (1 AST)	05:47 [SAS 38-35]
	05:29	Deng Jump Shot: Missed
	05:29	Noah Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
Ginobili Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	05:29
	05:29	Team Timeout : Regular
Jefferson Substitution replaced by Finley	05:29
	05:29	Thomas Substitution replaced by Hinrich
Bonner Substitution replaced by Hill	05:29
	05:29	Noah Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	05:29	Team Rebound
	05:29	Noah Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:7)	05:28
Ginobili Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Salmons (2 ST)	05:09
	05:05	Rose Layup Shot: Missed
	05:04	Noah Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
	05:02 [CHI 37-38]	Rose Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Noah (2 AST)
Hill Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)	04:51
	04:32 [CHI 39-38]	Deng Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Parker Jump Shot: Missed	04:13
	04:11	Hinrich Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	03:57 [CHI 42-38]	Salmons 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Rose (2 AST)
Duncan Jump Shot: Missed Block: Noah (1 BLK)	03:35
	03:33	Rose Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	03:31	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Missed
	03:30	Deng Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
Duncan Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	03:09
	03:09 [CHI 43-38]	Salmons Free Throw 1 of 2 (6 PTS)
	03:09 [CHI 44-38]	Salmons Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)
Team Timeout : Regular	03:09
	02:54	Deng Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Ginobili Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)	02:54 [SAS 39-44]
Finley Substitution replaced by Jefferson	02:54
Ginobili Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)	02:54 [SAS 40-44]
	02:44	Noah Layup Shot: Missed Block: Duncan (2 BLK)
Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	02:43
Parker Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	02:39 [SAS 42-44]
	02:17	Deng Layup Shot: Missed Block: Duncan (3 BLK)
Ginobili Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	02:15
Jefferson Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Ginobili (2 AST)	02:10 [SAS 44-44]
	01:43	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:8)	01:42
Duncan Layup Shot: Missed Block: Noah (2 BLK)	01:36
Ginobili Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	01:34
Ginobili 3pt Shot: Missed	01:31
	01:31	Team Rebound
Hill Substitution replaced by Mason	01:31
	01:31	Rose Substitution replaced by Pargo
	01:13	Pargo Jump Shot: Missed
Jefferson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	01:11
Duncan Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Ginobili (3 AST)	01:06 [SAS 46-44]
	00:50.9	Deng Jump Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:0 Def:9)	00:49.9
Ginobili 3pt Shot: Missed	00:30.9
	00:29.5	Noah Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)
	00:23.4	Team Timeout : Short
	00:23.4	Noah Substitution replaced by Miller
	00:07.9	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:06.6	Deng Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)
	00:00.8 [CHI 47-46]	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Deng (1 AST)
Ginobili 3pt Shot: Missed	00:00.1
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 2nd Quarter
San Antonio Spurs (20-13)		Chicago Bulls (15-18)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Duncan Jump Bank Shot: Made (14 PTS)	11:43 [SAS 48-47]
	11:28	Thomas Jump Shot: Missed
Finley Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	11:27
Jefferson Jump Shot: Missed	11:21
	11:20	Thomas Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	11:07	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
Bonner Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	11:06
Parker Jump Shot: Missed	10:53
	10:52	Thomas Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	10:36 [CHI 49-48]	Thomas Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Deng (2 AST)
Jefferson Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)	10:12
	09:59 [CHI 51-48]	Thomas Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Rose (3 AST)
Duncan Jump Bank Shot: Made (16 PTS)	09:42 [SAS 50-51]
Parker Foul : Personal (1 PF)	09:26
	09:23	Deng Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Duncan (2 ST)
Parker Layup Shot: Missed Block: Thomas (1 BLK)	09:19
Bonner Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	09:17
Bonner Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS)	09:16 [SAS 52-51]
	08:55	Salmons Jump Shot: Missed
	08:54	Noah Rebound (Off:4 Def:4)
	08:48	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
	08:48	Noah Rebound (Off:5 Def:4)
Jefferson Foul : Personal (1 PF)	08:48
	08:41	Thomas Layup Shot: Missed
	08:39	Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:4)
	08:39 [CHI 53-52]	Noah Tip Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Parker Layup Shot: Missed Block: Thomas (2 BLK)	08:20
	08:18	Thomas Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	08:11	Deng Jump Shot: Missed
Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	08:10
	08:02	Salmons Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Jefferson Substitution replaced by Ginobili	08:02
Bonner 3pt Shot: Missed	07:48
	07:48	Team Rebound
	07:34 [CHI 55-52]	Deng Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Noah (3 AST)
Duncan Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Deng (1 ST)	07:16
Bonner Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	07:12
	07:12 [CHI 56-52]	Thomas Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	07:12	Thomas Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Ginobili Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	07:11
Bonner 3pt Shot: Missed	06:56
	06:55	Rose Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
Ginobili Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	06:48
	06:48 [CHI 57-52]	Noah Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)
Bonner Substitution replaced by McDyess	06:48
	06:48 [CHI 58-52]	Noah Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)
Duncan Jump Bank Shot: Made (18 PTS)	06:25 [SAS 54-58]
	06:13 [CHI 60-54]	Thomas Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Rose (4 AST)
McDyess Turnover : 3 Second Violation (1 TO)	05:52
	05:52	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:52	Noah Substitution replaced by Hinrich
	05:52	Rose Substitution replaced by Miller
Parker Foul : Personal (2 PF)	05:38
	05:38 [CHI 61-54]	Hinrich Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)
	05:38 [CHI 62-54]	Hinrich Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)
Duncan Jump Bank Shot: Made (20 PTS)	05:22 [SAS 56-62]
	05:01	Salmons Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Ginobili (1 ST)
Ginobili 3pt Shot: Missed	04:47
	04:46	Salmons Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	04:38 [CHI 64-56]	Deng Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Miller (1 AST)
Duncan Layup Shot: Missed Block: Thomas (3 BLK)	04:21
	04:19	Hinrich Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Ginobili Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	04:17
Ginobili Substitution replaced by Mason	04:17
Finley Substitution replaced by Jefferson	04:17
	04:17	Salmons Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	04:17	Team Rebound
	04:17 [CHI 65-56]	Salmons Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)
Thomas Violation:Defensive Goaltending	03:59
Duncan Layup Shot: Made (22 PTS) Assist: Mason (1 AST)	03:59 [SAS 58-65]
	03:38 [CHI 67-58]	Miller Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Salmons (2 AST)
Duncan Layup Shot: Missed	03:16
Duncan Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)	03:15
Duncan Tip Shot: Missed	03:15
	03:14	Deng Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
	03:02 [CHI 69-58]	Thomas Dunk Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Miller (2 AST)
Jefferson Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	03:02
Duncan Substitution replaced by Blair	03:02
	03:02 [CHI 70-58]	Thomas Free Throw 1 of 1 (10 PTS)
Team Timeout : Regular	03:02
Parker Substitution replaced by Hill	03:02
Hill Jump Shot: Missed	02:44
	02:43	Miller Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	02:29	Hill Violation:Kicked Ball
	02:19 [CHI 72-58]	Hinrich Driving Jump shot: Made (12 PTS)
Mason 3pt Shot: Missed	01:54
Team Rebound	01:52
	01:51	Salmons Substitution replaced by Gibson
	01:39	Gibson Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Jefferson Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)	01:39 [SAS 59-72]
Jefferson Free Throw 2 of 2 (9 PTS)	01:39 [SAS 60-72]
	01:25	Hinrich Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Hill (2 ST)
Hill Jump Shot: Missed	01:11
Blair Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	01:09
Blair Tip Shot: Made (4 PTS)	01:09 [SAS 62-72]
	00:53.9	Miller 3pt Shot: Missed
Hill Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:52.6
McDyess Jump Shot: Missed	00:30.9
	00:29.6	Hinrich Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	00:07.4 [CHI 74-62]	Miller Driving Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Hill Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)	00:00.6 [SAS 64-74]
End of 3rd Quarter
San Antonio Spurs (20-13)		Chicago Bulls (15-18)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
McDyess Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	11:43
	11:43 [CHI 75-64]	Thomas Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)
	11:43	Thomas Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
	11:40	Gibson Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
	11:40	Gibson Tip Shot: Missed
Blair Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	11:38
	11:27	Gibson Foul : Personal (2 PF)
McDyess Jump Shot: Missed	11:18
	11:17	Thomas Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
	11:03	Thomas Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
Jefferson 3pt Shot: Missed	10:39
	10:38	Rose Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	10:28 [CHI 77-64]	Thomas Jump Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Hinrich (2 AST)
	10:28	Miller Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)
McDyess Substitution replaced by Duncan	10:28
Mason Substitution replaced by Parker	10:28
Hill Substitution replaced by Ginobili	10:28
	10:28	Thomas Substitution replaced by Salmons
Duncan Jump Shot: Missed	10:08
	10:07	Hinrich Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	09:56	Gibson Jump Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:1 Def:10)	09:54
	09:43	Gibson Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Duncan Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	09:43
Team Rebound	09:43
Duncan Free Throw 2 of 2 (23 PTS)	09:43 [SAS 65-77]
	09:30 [CHI 79-65]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS)
Ginobili 3pt Shot: Missed	09:11
	09:10	Rose Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	09:01	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	09:01
	09:01	Gibson Substitution replaced by Noah
Duncan Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Salmons (3 ST)	08:42
Duncan Foul : Personal (3 PF)	08:42
	08:42	Timeout : Regular
Jefferson Substitution replaced by Bonner	08:42
Blair Substitution replaced by Finley	08:42
	08:32	Noah Dunk Shot: Missed
Ginobili Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	08:31
Ginobili Jump Shot: Missed	08:24
Ginobili Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	08:22
Finley Jump Shot: Missed	08:04
	08:02	Hinrich Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	07:45	Salmons Jump Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:1 Def:11)	07:43
Bonner Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Parker (3 AST)	07:37 [SAS 67-79]
	07:13	Hinrich Jump Shot: Missed
Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	07:12
Bonner 3pt Shot: Missed	07:02
	06:59	Hinrich Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
Finley Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	06:53
	06:53	Miller Substitution replaced by Deng
Bonner Substitution replaced by Jefferson	06:53
	06:53 [CHI 80-67]	Rose Free Throw 1 of 2 (12 PTS)
	06:53 [CHI 81-67]	Rose Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)
Finley 3pt Shot: Missed	06:41
Duncan Rebound (Off:2 Def:11)	06:40
Finley 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Duncan (2 AST)	06:31 [SAS 70-81]
	06:16	Noah Layup Shot: Missed Block: Parker (1 BLK)
Team Rebound	06:16
	06:05	Noah Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Finley Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	05:56
	05:56	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:42 [CHI 83-70]	Hinrich Floating Jump shot: Made (14 PTS)
Duncan Jump Shot: Made (25 PTS)	05:23 [SAS 72-83]
	05:07 [CHI 85-72]	Deng Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Rose (5 AST)
Finley 3pt Shot: Missed	04:47
	04:46	Rose Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	04:43	Ginobili Violation:Kicked Ball
	04:34	Rose Layup Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:2 Def:12)	04:33
	04:29	Salmons Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Ginobili Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)	04:29 [SAS 73-85]
Ginobili Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)	04:29 [SAS 74-85]
	04:19	Parker Violation:Kicked Ball
	04:07	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:2 Def:13)	04:05
Parker Layup Shot: Missed	03:59
	03:58	Deng Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)
	03:50	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
Duncan Rebound (Off:2 Def:14)	03:48
Ginobili Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hinrich (2 BLK)	03:33
Ginobili Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	03:31
Duncan Layup Shot: Made (27 PTS) Assist: Ginobili (4 AST)	03:30 [SAS 76-85]
	03:07 [CHI 87-76]	Deng Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Rose (6 AST)
Parker Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (3 TO)	02:56
Team Timeout : Regular	02:56
	02:56	Noah Substitution replaced by Miller
	02:34 [CHI 89-76]	Miller Driving Reverse Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Rose (7 AST)
	02:16	Miller Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Jefferson Substitution replaced by Hill	02:16
Parker Substitution replaced by Mason	02:16
Ginobili Substitution replaced by Blair	02:16
Duncan Free Throw 1 of 2 (28 PTS)	02:16 [SAS 77-89]
Duncan Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	02:16
	02:15	Deng Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)
Hill Foul : Personal (2 PF)	02:13
Duncan Substitution replaced by Bonner	02:13
Blair Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	01:56
	01:56	Rose Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	01:56	Team Rebound
	01:56	Rose Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Bonner Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	01:54
	01:49	Deng Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Hill Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	01:49 [SAS 78-89]
Hill Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	01:49
	01:47	Miller Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	01:29 [CHI 91-78]	Salmons Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Miller (3 AST)
Hill 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Mason (2 AST)	01:13 [SAS 81-91]
	01:06	Rose Substitution replaced by Pargo
	00:51.8	Pargo Running Jump Shot: Missed
	00:50.1	Jump Ball Deng vs Blair (Hill gains possession)
Team Rebound	00:50.1
	00:44.1	Pargo Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Hill Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)	00:44.1 [SAS 82-91]
Hill Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)	00:44.1 [SAS 83-91]
	00:18.9	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:17.8	Deng Rebound (Off:4 Def:5)
Blair Foul : Personal (4 PF)	00:17.5
	00:17.5 [CHI 92-83]	Deng Free Throw 1 of 2 (17 PTS)
	00:17.5	Deng Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Blair Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	00:15.9
Mason Layup Shot: Missed	00:00.5
Blair Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	00:00.5
Blair Putback Dunk Shot: Made (6 PTS)	00:00.5 [SAS 85-92]
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			TNT	National	Final
canada		--	TSN2	national	Final