The Bulls played their first game since losing Derrick Rose for the season with a meniscus tear in his right knee. Veteran guard Aaron Brooks filled in decently, but the team couldn't generate enough offense in the final frame to pull away from the pesky Charlotte Hornets. The game was close and low scoring through the first three quarters as both teams made a concerted effort on the defense end.  

Brooks finished with 12 points and four assists in 28 minutes, but did miss five attempts from the charity stripe. Gasol was the only Bull to put up an exceptional game, as the team shot under 20 percent from the beyond the arc and scored just 21 points in the fourth quarter. 

The game was tied at 44 after the first half, as both teams continued to trade baskets. Brian Roberts hit a deep-ball with about five minutes left in the first half. Roberts led all bench scorers with 12 points to go with three helpers. Newly aquired Mo Williams gave the Hornets a boost at the point guard position, as he scored 17 points while recording five assists on the night. 

In the final seven minutes, Al Jefferson and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist combined to score 15 points helping the Hornets close out the Bulls, who drop to 36-22 on the season while Charlotte improves to a record of 23-32.

The Hornets were led by the afformentioned Jefferson and Kidd-Gilchrist, as the former had 16 points and 7 rebounds while the latter dropped 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a strong double-double. While Gasol led all scorers with 25, Chicago falls and will try to bounce back Friday night as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:00 PM EST. The Hornets next game will also be Friday night, as they travel to Boston to take on the Celtics at 7:30 PM EST.  

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About the author
Julian Rosen
Im a graduate of Christopher Newport University, majored in communications (Sports Media) and minoring in sociology. I am pursuing a career in sports radio, broadcasting and/or writing. I am a fantasy football writer for Spoon-Fed Sports, based out of Santa Cruz, California. I am also a Fantasy Sports and NBA writer for Vavel Sports. I am obsessed with Fantasy Football and the Detroit Pistons. Ask me anything about either one. I will be interned with the Detroit Tigers for the 2015 season and hope to land a local radio internship after that.