It was a rough game from the Chicago Bulls as they came out flat and lost to the Washington Wizards, 114-100.
Big Second Quarter Sparks Wizards
It was a good start to the first quarter for the Chicago Bulls as they had a much better start to the game than they did in their last game against the Atlanta Hawks. It was a great start to the game for Derrick Rose as he had nine points in the first quarter for Chicago. But it was the Wizards who held the 28-25 lead after the first quarter. Pau Gasol also had a solid opening quarter as he had eight points and three rebounds.
But it was the second quarter where the Wizards began to take control of the game. Washington went on a big 22-5 run in the second quarter and completely blew this game open. Washington's biggest lead of the half was fifteen and they took a 62-48 lead into the half.
The Wizards were very efficient and shot a fantastic 52 percent from the field and took advantage of a horrible Chicago defense. Washington's bench were the real catalyst as they outscored Chicago's bench 32-to-12.
More Of The Same In The Second Half
Chicago showed signs of life in the second half as the Bulls battled back from the big halftime deficit. Behind Rose, who finished with 23 points on the night, Chicago got to within single digits quickly and the United Center sprung back to life. But turnovers quickly de-railed Chicago as Washington got back to a double digit lead. One big part of the second half was the play of Drew Gooden, who came off the bench and had a double-double tonight with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Gooden gave Washington a spark on the night that they desperately needed, as starting center Marcin Gortat was out with an injured knee. Along with Gooden, Washington held an 83-74 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Like the beginning of the third, Chicago got off to a great start in the beginning of the quarter as they got within four with around 10 minutes left. But the momentum quickly disintegrated as five minutes later the Wizards would extend their lead back to 15. It was a run that essentially sealed the game. In the end it was a 114-100 win for the Wizards as they got a huge spark from their bench.
Chicago came into this game with a 15-1 record when their bench outscores the opponents reserves. Well, Washington's bench dominated as they outscored Chicago's bench 47-to-32.
Top Performers
Derrick Rose led all scorers with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field. Jimmy Butler finished with 19 points, seven assists and three steals. Pau Gasol added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
John Wall recorded his 21st double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 assists. Nene, Otto Porter and Garrett Temple scored 14 points apiece. The bench duo of Ramon Sessions and Gary Neal combined for 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting.
Up Next
The Bulls will face the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow night. The Wizards will host those Bucks on Wednesday night following their showdown with Chicago.