The Chicago Bulls had a tough time in a 123-115 double overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center, playing to a crowd of 18,422 fans.
High – Flying Players
Derrick Rose again proved that he really deserves to be one of the premier guards in the league. Rose hit numerous big shots and led the Bulls with 35 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out seven assists. Luol Deng contributed
26 points and 10 rebounds. Kyle Korver scored a season-high 24, and Joakim Noah had 17 points with 15 rebounds for the Bulls.
Grant Hill did all he could and led the Suns with a season-high of 27 points and 8 rebounds. Hakim Warrick had 23 points off the bench, while Steve Nash contributed 14 points and 16 assists.
Game Story
The Suns were extremely efficient during the first quarter of the game, scoring 36 points hitting 14 for 22 (63.6 %) and without a single turnover.
The Suns extended their lead to the second quarter of the game and led the first half of the game 62 – 50.
The third quarter turned into a battle between Hill and Rose. The Suns’ Hill (forward) scored 12 points during the quarter and the Bulls' Rose (backcourt star) scored 10 as Phoenix maintained its 12-point lead, 84-72.
The Suns lacked aggressiveness in the fourth quarter after they got their big lead, which was 78-60 in the third period. The rival (Bulls) took full advantage of the opportunity and turned the 12 points lead into a tie, 101 – 101
at the end of fourth phase of the game.
Both of the teams scored ten points during the first overtime and the match again tied at 111 – 111.
Korver’s 6 points off free throws played a major role in the double-overtime victory for the Bulls, 123 – 115.
Turning points
The Bull’s victory was like accomplishing an impossible mission. The Bulls never led until the first overtime, when a jumper by Rose gave then a 103-101 advantage. From the first overtime onward, they played the game technically
and headed the host team.
Quotable
Rose, who shot 14 of 33 said, "I wasn't caring about the shots I was shooting," "My teammates had faith in my jump shots. Grant Hill was giving me space and I was taking it.”
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