Jan

7

Balanced Scoring Helps Bulls Snap 3-Game Losing Streak, Beat Sacramento 99-94

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap 

The Chicago Bulls can be like the little girl with the curl – when they’re good, they’re very good; when they’re bad, they can be downright awful – as their three-game losing streak can attest to.  Fortunately for them, their opponent on Tuesday night was the abysmal Sacramento Kings, who had dropped 9 of their last 10 games prior to this contest.  It was an unusual contest where despite some good free throw shooting (33-of-36), it was the same free throw shooting that nearly cost the Bulls the game as they just got past Sacramento 99-94 at United Center.

The first half was nothing to write home about as Sacramento outscored Chicago 23-22 in the first quarter while the Bulls returned the favor, outscoring the Kings 27-19; Chicago would take to their locker room at halftime a 49-42 lead.  The Bulls held several double-digit leads during the second half yet the Kings would come back; a jumper by Chicago’s Larry Hughes made it 84-70 less then 4 minutes into the final period, but Sacramento responded with a 10-0 run, capped by a Francisco Garcia dunk.

Garcia would score again as the Bulls’ lead shrunk to one point with about 2 minutes remaining in the game, but Gordon would make 2 free throws and Hughes made 1-of-2 FTs, making it 93-89 with 1:01 left to go; Derrick Rose’s floater made it 95-91 with 33 ticks left on the game clock, but Kevin Martin made a pair of free throws with 21.9 seconds remaining.  The Kings immediately fouled Drew Gooden who made 1-of-2 FTs. 

After a timeout, Martin was fouled by Tyrus Thomas and would make 1-of 2 FTs to make it a 2-point game; Brad Miller grabbed the rebound after the last free throw was missed by Martin.  But instead of taking the ball back up, he passed the ball to Martin, who missed the shot – allowing the Bulls to hang on for the win.  Chicago’s leading scorer was Gordon with 24 points, 4 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 2 blocked shots while Gooden from off the bench added 18 with 10 rebounds and an assist; Rose pitched in, scoring 16 with 3 rebounds and 8 assists.

Sacramento was led by Martin with 29 points, a rebound, an assist and 2 steals while Miller added 18 with 12 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and 2 blocked shots.  Chicago (15-20) will play again on Friday as they continue their homestand, hosting the Washington Wizards on Friday while Sacramento (8-28) returns home to host the Miami Heat – also on Friday night.


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