Chicago Bulls squeak past Denver Nuggets
The Chicago Bulls made some crucial stops down the stretch to escape with a thrilling 94-92 victory over the Denver Nuggets, spoiling Carmelo Anthony’s visit on Monday 8 November at the United
Center in Chicago.
Derrick Rose struggled to find his rhythm in the first three quarters, but he bounced back big time in the final period to finish the game with 18 points and six assists, while Luol Deng
added 17 points and seven rebounds for the Bulls.
“Derrick struggled a lot,” said Deng, who was 6-for-18 from the floor. “That's going to happen because we play so many games. It was just a good team win.”
The Bulls trailed by six points, 80-74, with seven minutes left in the game before Rose sparked a late 16-6 rally by scoring eight points on 4-for-5 shooting in the final quarter, after just
shooting 3-for-16 in the first three periods.
“Derrick is our leader,” said Bulls centre Joakim Noah, who also had a huge night for the Bulls. “His shot wasn't falling but down the stretch, he put the game on his shoulders. That's why
he's such a special player.”
Noah finished the game with another double-double performance as he scored 13 points and grabbed a game-high 19 rebounds, and Anthony cannot help but admire the emerging centre, who tallied
a double-double in all their games this season.
“Noah blocks shots and holds the paint down,” said Anthony. “He is an energy guy who got 19 rebounds; you can't ask more than that for a big guy.”
Anthony, who has been surrounded by trade speculation and openly expressed his intention of joining the Bulls during the off-season, led the Nuggets’ attack with 32 points, including two
free throws that pulled them within one, 91-90, with 11 seconds left.
Kyle Korver converted two free throws in the next possession, extending the lead to three points, 93-90, with 8.5 seconds left. The Nuggets had a chance to tie the game, but Aaron Afflalo
missed a three-pointer off a nice dish from veteran guard Chauncey Billups.
“Chauncey just made a great play,” said Afflalo, who finished the game with 15 points. “He made a great play. I am trying to take the blame for missing that shot little bit. I took an off-balance
shot and I couldn't square up like I wanted to, otherwise I think I would have made it.”
Billups added 14 points, while Al Harrington and J.R Smith added 10 points apiece for the Nuggets, who dropped absorbed their loss of the season.
The Nuggets played with starting centre Nene, after the Brazilian big man, who finished with eight points and seven rebounds, missed three games with a groin injury.
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