Nuggets-Bulls Preview

By MATT BEARDMORE
Posted Nov 09 2009 9:14PM

Joakim Noah gave the Chicago Bulls a great sense of optimism following his breakout performance in last season's first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics.

He's been just as good, or better, in 2009-10.

Noah and the Central Division-leading Bulls look to open 4-0 at home for the first time since the team's last championship season Tuesday night, when they host a Denver Nuggets club that's dropped two in a row.

Selected ninth overall by Chicago in the 2007 draft, Noah wasn't much more than a role player during his first two seasons. In the unforgettable playoff series versus the Celtics last spring, though, he averaged 10.1 points, 13.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks to help the Bulls push the defending champions to seven games. Noah's career averages heading into the postseason were 6.7 points, 6.6 boards and 1.1 blocks.

With forward Tyrus Thomas out for up to six weeks with a broken left forearm, Noah has stepped up his game in 2009-10, averaging a career-best 11.3 points, while ranking in the league's top 10 in rebounding (11.0) and blocked shots (2.3).

He had a career-high 21 points with 16 boards and four blocks in Saturday's 93-90 win over Charlotte - Chicago's third straight victory since back-to-back losses at Boston and Miami.

"Since I've been in Chicago (arriving via trade in February), I've been impressed with Jo,'' Bulls guard John Salmons said after hitting 9 of 16 shots and scoring a season-high 27 points Saturday. "He's been one of those glue guys, one of those guys that works hard."

Forward Luol Deng has also been working hard, averaging 16.7 points and 10.0 boards after missing the last 22 regular-season games of 2008-09, and the playoffs with a stress fracture in his right tibia.

Prior to his injury, Deng scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a 116-99 home win over Denver on Feb. 20.

While Chicago (4-2) looks to go 4-0 at home for the first time since the Michael Jordan-led Bulls opened with four straight wins at the United Center in the 1997-98 championship season, the Denver Nuggets (5-2) are trying to get back on track on what started as a successful eastern trip.

After opening 5-0 for the first time in 24 seasons, the Nuggets are looking to avoid a three-game skid following losses at Miami and Atlanta.

"We didn't have enough energy. We never did get a grip,'' coach George Karl said following Saturday's 125-100 loss to the Hawks.

The 125 points were the most allowed by Denver since a 127-99 defeat at the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 29, 2007.

Led by Carmelo Anthony's 31.4 points per game, Denver is among the league's highest scoring teams, averaging 109.3. The Nuggets, though, will face a Chicago defense that is holding visiting teams to 85.3 points and 40.4 percent shooting.

Anthony missed 13 of 18 shots and scored 12 points in last season's loss in Chicago.

Point guard Chauncey Billups led Denver with 25 points and six assists in that game - the Nuggets' third straight loss at the United Center since a 97-94 victory Jan. 16, 2006.

Bulls point guard Derrick Rose averaged 12.5 points and 6.0 assists as Chicago and Denver split two meetings in 2008-09.

The home team has won the last six matchups in this series.

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

Nuggets dodge bullet, beat Bulls in final seconds

By Kent McDill, for NBA.com
Posted Wednesday November 11, 2009 12:05AM

CHICAGO (NBA.com exclusive) -- The Denver Nuggets needed every ounce of their veteran skills to get a road win against the Chicago Bulls.

Chauncey Billups hit the game-winning free throw with 0.6 seconds remaining, and the Nuggets edged the Bulls 90-89 to end their two-game losing streak. The Bulls suffered their first home loss.

The Bulls thought they won the game when Brad Miller made a jumper at the buzzer, but since the Bulls had only 0.3 left on the clock on the inbounds, his catch-and-shoot attempt was eventually ruled late.

"Fortunately, (the officials) made the right call, but it scared the hell out of us,'' Denver coach George Karl said.

Denver's Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points, 11 below his average, and made only eight of 22 shots, most of them taken against Bulls forward Luol Deng. Billups finished with 17 points and Kenyon Martin had 15 (to go with 10 rebounds) in his return to action after missing a game due to a left fibula contusion. Nene had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds

Bulls guard Derrick Rose had a season-high 22 points, including the game-tying free throws to create the 89-89 draw with 10.4 seconds left, while Joakim Noah had another career high in rebounds with 21 to go with 12 points. Deng finished with 21 points.

The Nuggets held the lead for most of the game, but it never got larger than 10 points, and in the final quarter, the Bulls staged a comeback. They trailed by as much as seven points with six minutes left but Rose and John Salmons made several long jumpers to get the Bulls back into the game.

The outcome was determined when Billups dribbled down the lane against Kirk Hinrich, who was called for a reach-in foul with 0.6 seconds left.

The challenge for the Bulls was to figure out how to defend Carmelo Anthony, Billups and Kenyon Martin. The Bulls did the job well, holding the Nuggets to 41.7 percent shooting, but they couldn't stop enough shots in the second half to turn the game in their favor.

Billups was especially problematic for Rose and Hinrich, and scored seven of his 17 points at the free throw line. He would have had another but missed the last one intentionally to give the Bulls less time for a final shot.

"I planned on missing it on purpose,'' Billups said. "My thinking was that if they have only three-tenths of a second then they have to hit a miraculous shot. Then they did hit a miraculous shot."

The Nuggets, in fact, had the advantage at the free throw line the entire game, and did not get called for a foul until early in the second quarter. They finished with a 15-9 edge at the line for the game.

Deng, who is in a career resurgence after an iffy 2008-2009, played Anthony straight up most of the game, and contested almost every attempt.

"I thought Luol was good on Carmelo,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. "We have to feel good about (the Bulls' defense)."

"We did a good job as a team,'' Deng said. "We tried to take (Anthony) out of his jumper and make him drive. The guys had my back whenever he drove."

The Nuggets were trying to get back on the winning track after road losses at Miami and Atlanta, and took control of the game late in the first quarter. They held the lead the entire second quarter, then fought off the Bulls through the third and fourth quarters.

The Nuggets (6-2) are now 3-2 on the six-game road trip with a stop in Milwaukee set for Wednesday.

After bemoaning the fact that Miller's final shot did not count, the Bulls concentrated their thoughts on Noah, who set a career high in rebounds for a second time this season and posted his fourth double-double.

"Joakim was outstanding again and did a good job on the glass,'' Del Negro said.

• Nuggets: Petro
• Bulls: Gray, James, Thomas

• Nuggets: --
• Bulls: --

• Lead Changes: 7
• Times Tied: 7

• Arena: United Center, Chicago, IL
• Officials: #18 Mark Wunderlich, #46 Matt Boland, #75 Eric Dalen
• Attendance: 21409
• Duration: 2:21

Denver Nuggets (22-13)		Chicago Bulls (14-19)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Noah vs Hilario (Gibson gains possession)
	11:43 [CHI 2-0]	Gibson Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Salmons (1 AST)
Anthony Reverse Layup Shot: Missed	11:20
	11:19	Noah Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	11:05	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:04
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	10:54
	10:52	Noah Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	10:31 [CHI 4-0]	Deng Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Rose (1 AST)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	10:05
	10:04	Noah Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	09:53	Gibson Jump Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:53
	09:53	Noah Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	09:43	Gibson Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	09:43 [DEN 1-4]
Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	09:43 [DEN 2-4]
	09:18 [CHI 6-2]	Rose Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Salmons (2 AST)
Martin Turnaround Fade Away shot: Missed	08:55
	08:53	Noah Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	08:43	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	08:42
Martin Driving Layup Shot: Missed	08:33
	08:31	Salmons Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	08:14 [CHI 8-2]	Deng Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Rose (2 AST)
Hilario Running Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Billups (1 AST)	07:59 [DEN 4-8]
	07:36 [CHI 10-4]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Salmons (3 AST)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	07:21
	07:20	Noah Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	07:14	Salmons Pullup Jump shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	07:13
Anthony Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	06:55
	06:54	Noah Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
	06:38	Deng Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	06:38
	06:38	Gibson Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)
	06:38	Gibson Substitution replaced by Miller
Afflalo Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Anthony (1 AST)	06:20 [DEN 6-10]
	06:07	Salmons Jump Shot: Missed
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	06:06
Martin Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Billups (2 AST)	05:56 [DEN 8-10]
	05:35 [CHI 12-8]	Miller Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Rose (3 AST)
Billups Fade Away Bank shot: Made (4 PTS)	05:19 [DEN 10-12]
	05:19	Rose Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
	05:19	Team Timeout : Regular
Billups Free Throw 1 of 1 (5 PTS)	05:19 [DEN 11-12]
	05:02	Noah Hook Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	05:00
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	04:39
	04:38	Miller Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	04:28	Miller 3pt Shot: Missed
	04:24	Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	04:24 [CHI 14-11]	Noah Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Hilario Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)	04:02
	04:02	Rose Substitution replaced by Hinrich
	03:46	Noah Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Hilario (1 ST)
	03:42	Miller Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	03:42 [DEN 12-14]
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith	03:42
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	03:42 [DEN 13-14]
	03:25	Hinrich Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Billups (1 ST)
Martin 3pt Shot: Missed	03:02
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	03:01
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	02:58
Hilario Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	02:57
Hilario Hook Shot: Missed	02:50
	02:48	Noah Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)
	02:37	Deng Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:37
Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen	02:37
Smith Driving Layup Shot: Missed	02:26
	02:25	Miller Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	02:10 [CHI 16-13]	Deng Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Billups Substitution replaced by Lawson	01:57
Team Timeout : Short	01:57
	01:57	Salmons Substitution replaced by Pargo
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)	01:49 [DEN 15-16]
	01:49	Miller Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 1 (5 PTS)	01:49 [DEN 16-16]
	01:28	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	01:27
Smith Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	01:09 [DEN 18-16]
	00:54.9 [CHI 18-18]	Noah Hook Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Hinrich (1 AST)
Anthony Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (7 PTS)	00:42.2 [DEN 20-18]
	00:30.9	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	00:29.6
Martin Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Anthony (2 AST)	00:09.7 [DEN 22-18]
	00:01.0 [CHI 20-22]	Deng Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Lawson 3pt Shot: Missed	00:00.1
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 1st Quarter
Denver Nuggets (22-13)		Chicago Bulls (14-19)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Anthony 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Martin (1 AST)	11:41 [DEN 25-20]
	11:27	Deng Jump Shot: Missed
	11:26	Noah Rebound (Off:2 Def:7)
	11:23	Noah Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Smith (1 ST)
Anthony Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Smith (1 AST)	11:20 [DEN 27-20]
	10:57	Pargo 3pt Shot: Missed
	10:54	Noah Rebound (Off:3 Def:7)
	10:54 [CHI 22-27]	Noah Reverse Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Lawson Jump Shot: Missed	10:29
Lawson Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	10:26
	10:19	Pargo Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Lawson 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Smith (2 AST)	10:08 [DEN 30-22]
	09:50	Pargo Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	09:50
	09:50	Noah Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)
Anthony Substitution replaced by Carter	09:50
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	09:35
	09:34	Deng Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:28 [CHI 24-30]	Pargo Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Smith Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	09:28
Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario	09:28
	09:28 [CHI 25-30]	Pargo Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)
Carter Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	09:12
	09:12	Deng Substitution replaced by Salmons
	09:03	Pargo Jump Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:00
Lawson 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Smith (3 AST)	08:52 [DEN 33-25]
	08:45	Hinrich Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Carter (1 ST)
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	08:35
Hilario Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	08:34
	08:33	Miller Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Timeout : Regular	08:33
	08:33	Miller Substitution replaced by Gibson
	08:33	Pargo Substitution replaced by Rose
Smith Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	08:33 [DEN 34-25]
Smith Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	08:33 [DEN 35-25]
	08:21 [CHI 27-35]	Gibson Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Hinrich (2 AST)
Hilario Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Carter (1 AST)	08:07 [DEN 37-27]
	07:54 [CHI 29-37]	Hinrich Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Noah (1 AST)
Lawson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Gibson (1 ST)	07:45
	07:25 [CHI 31-37]	Gibson Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Hinrich (3 AST)
Smith Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Salmons (1 ST)	07:14
	07:04	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
	07:03	Gibson Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	06:59	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	06:58
Lawson Jump Shot: Missed Block: Salmons (1 BLK)	06:49
	06:47	Noah Rebound (Off:3 Def:8)
	06:39	Hinrich Jump Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:38
Hilario Dunk Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Carter (2 AST)	06:32 [DEN 39-31]
	06:24	Team Timeout : Regular
	06:24	Noah Substitution replaced by Johnson
	06:24	Hinrich Substitution replaced by Deng
	06:13	Deng Jump Shot: Missed
Lawson Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	06:11
Carter 3pt Shot: Missed	05:55
Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	05:54
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	05:50
	05:48	Gibson Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
Andersen Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	05:34
	05:34	Salmons Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	05:34	Team Rebound
	05:34 [CHI 32-39]	Salmons Free Throw 2 of 2 (1 PTS)
Andersen Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	05:20
	05:09	Johnson Jump Shot: Missed
	05:08	Deng Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	04:57	Johnson Reverse Layup Shot: Missed
	04:56	Johnson Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	04:55 [CHI 34-39]	Johnson Putback Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
	04:37	Johnson Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Lawson Substitution replaced by Billups	04:37
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	04:37
Smith Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	04:37
Team Rebound	04:37
Smith Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	04:37 [DEN 40-34]
Carter Foul : Personal (1 PF)	04:19
	04:04	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
Carter Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	04:02
	04:00	Salmons Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Hilario Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	04:00
Team Rebound	04:00
	04:00	Johnson Substitution replaced by Noah
Hilario Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)	04:00 [DEN 41-34]
Carter Foul : Personal (2 PF)	03:53
Smith Substitution replaced by Anthony	03:53
	03:43	Salmons Driving Layup Shot: Missed
	03:42	Noah Rebound (Off:4 Def:8)
	03:42	Noah Tip Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	03:41
Billups Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Carter (3 AST)	03:34 [DEN 43-34]
	03:20 [CHI 37-43]	Deng 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Salmons (4 AST)
Carter Jump Shot: Missed	03:02
Hilario Rebound (Off:4 Def:4)	03:01
Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed	02:58
	02:57	Deng Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	02:51	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)	02:49
Carter Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Rose (1 ST)	02:30
	02:24 [CHI 39-43]	Noah Dunk Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Deng (1 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:11
Billups Driving Jump shot: Missed	01:58
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	01:57
Martin Dunk Shot: Missed	01:57
	01:56	Salmons Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	01:51 [CHI 41-43]	Gibson Dunk Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Rose (4 AST)
	01:30	Salmons Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Carter Substitution replaced by Smith	01:30
Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)	01:30 [DEN 44-41]
Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	01:30
	01:28	Noah Rebound (Off:4 Def:9)
	01:09	Deng Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:4 Def:5)	01:07
Martin Dunk Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Anthony (3 AST)	01:01 [DEN 46-41]
	00:39.8 [CHI 43-46]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	00:30.9
	00:29.9	Noah Rebound (Off:4 Def:10)
	00:23.9	Rose Pullup Jump shot: Missed
	00:22.5	Gibson Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)
	00:20.9	Gibson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Billups (2 ST)
Billups Layup Shot: Missed Block: Rose (1 BLK)	00:16.9
	00:15.8	Salmons Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	00:10.6	Team Timeout : Short
	00:10.6	Noah Substitution replaced by Hinrich
	00:10.6	Salmons Substitution replaced by Johnson
Smith Substitution replaced by Afflalo	00:10.6
	00:10.6	Gibson Substitution replaced by Pargo
	00:01.0	Pargo 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)	00:00.1
End of 2nd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (22-13)		Chicago Bulls (14-19)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Anthony Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS)	11:36 [DEN 48-43]
	11:27	Salmons Jump Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:4 Def:6)	11:26
Billups Layup Shot: Missed Block: Rose (2 BLK)	11:20
	11:18	Gibson Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	11:03	Salmons Jump Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:02
Hilario Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Noah (1 ST)	10:45
	10:37 [CHI 45-48]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Noah (2 AST)
Anthony Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Gibson (2 ST)	10:23
	10:15	Noah Turnover : 3 Second Violation (3 TO)
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed Block: Gibson (1 BLK)	09:56
Jump Ball Gibson vs Anthony (Afflalo gains possession)	09:56
Team Rebound	09:56
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	09:50
	09:48	Team Rebound
	09:37	Gibson Jump Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	09:35
Afflalo Layup Shot: Missed Block: Noah (1 BLK)	09:23
	09:19	Salmons Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
Billups Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	09:19
	09:19 [CHI 46-48]	Deng Free Throw 1 of 2 (12 PTS)
	09:19 [CHI 47-48]	Deng Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)
Hilario Turnover : Traveling (3 TO)	09:04
	08:46	Gibson Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)
Martin Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Billups (3 AST)	08:34 [DEN 50-47]
	08:16	Noah Layup Shot: Missed Block: Afflalo (1 BLK)
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	08:15
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed Block: Salmons (2 BLK)	08:05
	08:04	Team Rebound
	07:50	Gibson Jump Shot: Missed
	07:48	Deng Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	07:47	Deng Jump Shot: Missed
	07:45	Noah Rebound (Off:5 Def:10)
	07:37 [CHI 49-50]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed Block: Noah (2 BLK)	07:17
	07:15	Gibson Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
	07:01 [CHI 52-50]	Salmons 3pt Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Deng (2 AST)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Billups (4 AST)	06:42 [DEN 53-52]
Martin Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	06:24
	06:24 [CHI 53-53]	Deng Free Throw 1 of 2 (14 PTS)
	06:24 [CHI 54-53]	Deng Free Throw 2 of 2 (15 PTS)
Billups Driving Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS)	06:08 [DEN 55-54]
	05:55 [CHI 56-55]	Noah Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Deng (3 AST)
Anthony Turnover : 5 Second Violation (2 TO)	05:28
	05:28	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:11 [CHI 58-55]	Deng Driving Layup Shot: Made (17 PTS)
Billups Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (1 AST)	04:54 [DEN 57-58]
	04:54	Rose Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Billups Free Throw 1 of 1 (12 PTS)	04:54 [DEN 58-58]
	04:38 [CHI 61-58]	Salmons 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Gibson (1 AST)
	04:23	Noah Foul : Personal (3 PF)
	04:19	Gibson Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen	04:19
Anthony Substitution replaced by Smith	04:19
	04:19	Gibson Substitution replaced by Miller
	04:19	Deng Substitution replaced by Hinrich
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Billups (5 AST)	04:12 [DEN 61-61]
	03:52	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	03:51
Smith Layup Shot: Missed	03:46
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:7)	03:45
Martin Tip Shot: Made (11 PTS)	03:45 [DEN 63-61]
	03:32	Miller Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Andersen (1 ST)
Afflalo Layup Shot: Missed	03:25
Afflalo Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	03:24
Afflalo Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS)	03:23 [DEN 65-61]
	03:08	Hinrich Jump Shot: Missed
Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	03:06
Afflalo Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	02:59
	02:58	Noah Rebound (Off:5 Def:11)
	02:45	Martin Violation:Kicked Ball
Team Timeout : Regular	02:45
	02:45	Noah Substitution replaced by Gibson
	02:35 [CHI 63-65]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Miller (1 AST)
Billups Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS)	02:21 [DEN 67-63]
	02:01	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
	02:00	Gibson Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
Andersen Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	01:55
	01:55	Salmons Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	01:55	Team Rebound
	01:55 [CHI 64-67]	Salmons Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)
Martin Running Layup Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Billups (6 AST)	01:42 [DEN 69-64]
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Lawson	01:32
Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario	01:32
	01:16 [CHI 66-69]	Gibson Running Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Salmons (5 AST)
Smith Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Gibson (3 ST)	00:50.9
	00:41.9	Miller 3pt Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:40.8
Billups Layup Shot: Missed	00:31.8
Andersen Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	00:30.8
Andersen Tip Shot: Missed	00:30.8
Andersen Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)	00:30.0
Andersen Tip Shot: Made (2 PTS)	00:30.0 [DEN 71-66]
	00:14.8	Miller Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Billups (3 ST)
	00:14.8	Miller Foul : Personal (4 PF)
	00:14.8	Rose Substitution replaced by Pargo
Andersen Substitution replaced by Afflalo	00:14.8
	00:14.8	Miller Substitution replaced by Johnson
Smith Turnover : Palming Turnover (3 TO)	00:05.5
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Andersen	00:05.5
	00:05.5	Gibson Substitution replaced by Rose
	00:00.1	Johnson 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 3rd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (22-13)		Chicago Bulls (14-19)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
	11:47	Pargo Jump Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	11:46
Hilario Layup Shot: Missed	11:37
Team Rebound	11:37
	11:37	Gibson Foul : Personal (4 PF)
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	11:27
Billups Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	11:26
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	11:24
	11:22	Hinrich Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	11:18 [CHI 68-71]	Hinrich Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Lawson Driving Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	11:00 [DEN 73-68]
	10:40	Hinrich Foul : Offensive (1 PF)
	10:40	Hinrich Turnover : Foul (3 TO)
Billups Substitution replaced by Anthony	10:40
	10:40	Salmons Substitution replaced by Rose
	10:40	Gibson Substitution replaced by Deng
Hilario Running Dunk Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Lawson (1 AST)	10:26 [DEN 75-68]
	10:14 [CHI 70-75]	Noah Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Rose (5 AST)
Hilario Foul : Offensive (1 PF)	10:02
Hilario Turnover : Foul (4 TO)	10:02
	09:49	Deng Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)
Anthony Foul : Offensive (1 PF)	09:38
Anthony Turnover : Foul (3 TO)	09:38
	09:27	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
	09:25	Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:11)
	09:25	Noah Tip Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	09:24
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	09:15
	09:14	Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:12)
	09:06	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Missed
	09:04	Deng Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)
	09:04 [CHI 72-75]	Deng Layup Shot: Made (19 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS)	08:49 [DEN 77-72]
	08:32	Noah Layup Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	08:31
Lawson Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)	08:20
	08:20	Timeout : Regular
	08:20	Pargo Substitution replaced by Gibson
	08:04	Hinrich 3pt Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	08:02
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (18 PTS)	07:53 [DEN 79-72]
	07:36 [CHI 74-79]	Deng Layup Shot: Made (21 PTS)
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	07:12
	07:11	Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:13)
Hilario Foul : Personal (2 PF)	07:11
Smith Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	06:58
	06:58	Deng Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	06:58	Team Rebound
	06:58	Deng Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)	06:57
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed	06:39
Andersen Rebound (Off:4 Def:5)	06:37
Andersen Tip Shot: Made (4 PTS)	06:37 [DEN 81-74]
	06:16 [CHI 76-81]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Hinrich (4 AST)
Hilario Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Smith (4 AST)	06:02 [DEN 83-76]
	05:56	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:56	Gibson Substitution replaced by Salmons
	05:45	Deng Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Anthony (1 ST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	05:30
	05:29	Deng Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
	05:08	Salmons Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	05:08
	05:08	Noah Foul : Loose Ball (4 PF)
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	05:08
Anthony Foul : Offensive (2 PF)	04:51
Anthony Turnover : Foul (4 TO)	04:51
Lawson Substitution replaced by Billups	04:51
	04:43 [CHI 78-83]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS)
Martin Layup Shot: Missed	04:21
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:7)	04:20
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	04:13
Hilario Rebound (Off:5 Def:6)	04:13
	04:13	Deng Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	04:02
	04:01	Salmons Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	03:49 [CHI 80-83]	Rose Jump Shot: Made (18 PTS)
	03:30	Noah Foul : Shooting (5 PF)
Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (15 PTS)	03:30 [DEN 84-80]
Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (16 PTS)	03:30 [DEN 85-80]
	03:16 [CHI 83-85]	Salmons 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Deng (4 AST)
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed	02:53
Team Rebound	02:52
Team Timeout : Regular	02:52
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed Block: Deng (1 BLK)	02:45
Jump Ball Noah vs Hilario (Smith gains possession)	02:45
Team Rebound	02:45
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed Block: Deng (2 BLK)	02:24
	02:22	Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:14)
	02:01	Rose Jump Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	02:00
Martin Dunk Shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Smith (5 AST)	01:56 [DEN 87-83]
	01:43	Deng Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (1 BLK)
Hilario Rebound (Off:5 Def:7)	01:40
Hilario Turnover : Traveling (5 TO)	01:19
	01:10 [CHI 85-87]	Hinrich Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Deng (5 AST)
Billups Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Hinrich (1 ST)	00:56.9
	00:55.8	Team Timeout : Regular
	00:37.9	Salmons 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:35.9	Hinrich Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	00:34.9	Noah Layup Shot: Missed Block: Martin (1 BLK)
	00:33.9	Rose Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	00:33.9 [CHI 87-87]	Rose Layup Shot: Made (20 PTS)
Anthony Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (20 PTS)	00:13.1 [DEN 89-87]
	00:13.1	Team Timeout : Short
Billups Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	00:10.4
	00:10.4 [CHI 88-89]	Rose Free Throw 1 of 2 (21 PTS)
	00:10.4 [CHI 89-89]	Rose Free Throw 2 of 2 (22 PTS)
Team Timeout : Short	00:10.4
Instant Replay - Support Ruling	00:04.3
	00:00.6	Hinrich Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (17 PTS)	00:00.6 [DEN 90-89]
Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	00:00.6
	00:00.3	Noah Rebound (Off:6 Def:15)
	00:00.3	Team Timeout : Short
	00:00.3	Instant Replay - Support Ruling
	00:00.3	Noah Substitution replaced by Miller
	00:00.0	Instant Replay - Overturn Ruling
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			NBA TV	National	Final
		--	ASE	Local	Final
		--	CSN-C	Local	Final
canada			RTV	national	Final