By Marc D'Amico | July 9, 2008

Derrick Rose sat out the third game of the Chicago Bulls summer league season, but the Bulls still managed to defeat the Orlando Magic by a score of 86-74.

After being blown out of the gym Tuesday, Orlando came out with a much different mindset today, beginning the game with defensive intensity and translating it into points. They started the game on a 12-3 run over four minutes, but things quickly changed after that.

After consecutive jumpers by Tyrus Thomas and a couple of three point plays by Joakim Noah and Aaron Gray, Keith Langford hit a buzzer-beating three to end the first period and gave the Bulls a one point lead at 21-20. Midway through the second quarter, the Bulls had gone on a 29-10 run led by Demetris Nichols and Keith Langford, who scored six and five points over that span, respectively.

For the remainder of the quarter the teams played even and traded baskets. Over the final two minutes, there were four 3-pointers made by the Magic and one three point play by B.J. Elder. But the Bulls responded with two 3-pointers of their own and ended the half with two free throws by Tyrus Thomas. Those free throws gave the Bulls a 43-40 edge going into the half.

Kevin Kruger led the Magic I nthe first half with 13 points and five assists. He was helped out by a solid half by Courtney Lee, who added seven points and four rebounds.

The Bulls had strong all around play by their starting five, with each scoring at least five points. Thomas led the group with 10 and Nichols added nine. Noah pulled down seven rebounds to go with his five points.

The third quarter brought more of the same for both teams. Thomas, Gray and Noah continued their strong play. Thomas scored eight points and Gray scored five, while Noah grabbed another three rebounds.

Courtney Lee added another six points in the third to his total, brining him to 13 for the game. He and Marcin Gortat, who scored six points in the quarter, kept the Magic within seven. The period ended with a score of 65-58.

Neither team could take over in the fourth quarter, and the lead continued to hover around seven. With 56.9 seconds remaining in the game, Joakim Noah hit Jameson Curry for a big 3-pointer that put the Bulls ahead by 10. Following an immediate timeout, the Magic couldn’t get an open shot and B.J. Elder threw up an air ball from three. Free throws finished out the game, extending the final lead to 12, at 86-74.

Chicago finished with four players in double figures. Thomas led the team with 25 points and two blocked shots, while pulling down six boards. JamesOn Curry and Joakim Noah added 10 a piece, and Demetris Nichols scored 111. Noah led the team in rebounds with 12.

Four players also scored 10 or more points for the Magic. Marcin Gortat led the four with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Courtney Lee and Kruger each scored 13, with Kruger also assisting on eight backets. B.J. Elder also had a solid game with 12 points on 5-for-11 shooting.

The teams continue summer league play tomorrow, with the Bulls facing New Jersey at 3 pm, while Orlando looks to get their first win against Indiana at 5 pm.