Magic Make Bulls Disappear 102-89

The Orlando Magic did so well in three quarters, they were basically able to take the fourth quarter off, and still win by double digits Tuesday as they defeated the Chicago Bulls 102-89. The Bulls outscored the Magic 26-13 in the final quarter and the lead was never in danger. Rashard Lewis led the Orlando onslaught with a game high 26 points.

Remember back in late December when Chicago interim head coach looked like he would be the savior of the Bulls season? Well after that initial spurt of success it had been back to S.O.S. (same old stuff) as the Bulls are mired in last place in the NBA Central Division. Ben Gordon who looked like he was the spark plug coming off the bench has been coming up dry the last three games shooting just 10-32. All and all it continues to be a lost season for a team that many NBA observers thought would be a power in the NBA Eastern Conference.

Chicago actually was on top at the end of the first quarter, leading the Magic 27-24, and though the two teams kept it tight throughout the second quarter, Orlando had the lead at the half 57-52. Chicago though fell out of contention in the third period as the Magic outscored the Bulls 32-10 giving Orlando an 89-62 advantage. As I wrote at the top, the fourth period was nothing more than extended garbage time.

Lewis has been on fire over the last few games and this one was no exception. He shot 8-12 from the field, 4-5 from outside the arc, and 6-7 at the line for his 26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 1 steal. Dwight Howard recorded yet another double-double, 15 points, 11 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, Keith Bogans came off the bench to score 15 points, as well, 3 rebounds, 1 assist. Brian Cook also came up big coming off the pine, 14 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound.

Veteran Joe Smith has one of the few consistent bright spots in an otherwise dismal season for the Bulls was the high scorer for Chicago with 13 points, 2 steals, 2 rebounds, 1 block. Rookie Joachim Noah recorded a double-double for the Bulls, 12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, 1 assist, Luol Deng scored 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. Orlando with the win is now 24-16, Chicago 14-22.