Derrick Rose scripts a 112-91 Chicago Bulls rout over Kyrie Irving-less Cleveland Cavaliers: NBA
On Friday night, Chicago Bulls faced no difficulty in decimating the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were playing without Kyrie Irving at the Quicken Loans arena.
Bulls rolled onto a 5 game winning streak having a usual boost from Derrick Rose as he netted 10 of his 19 points in the 3rd frame and added 6 of his 9 assists in that period. Luol Deng came up with 24 points and 4 assists. Carlos Boozer had a double-double for Chicago with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He showered Rose with praise post game;
"D-Rose can do whatever he wants whenever he wants; the great thing about him is any moment he can take over a game. He has his imprint on every game we play. It’s fun playing with him, but it's also fun to watch."
Ronnie Brewer also netted 13 coming off the bench while veteran Richard Hamilton came up with 10 points in the Bulls 30th victory of season.
For Cleveland it always has been a disturbing experience to confront Chicago and the scenario didn’t change much this time as well as the hapless Cavs skidded down to a 4 game losing streak. They had only 2 players in double scoring figures with Antawn Jamison leading on 22 and Ramon Sessions with 16 points and 7 assists.
Cavaliers coach Byron Scott acknowledged Bulls supremacy after the game.
"You have to play, I wouldn't say perfect basketball against them, but pretty close to it because they are that good. You need talent in this league to be successful and the Chicago Bulls have a heck of a lot of talent."
The talent certainly did speak for itself as Deng and Kyle Korver combined for 24 points, chipping in with all 7 of their 3-pointers in the opening half. Midway through the 1st frame, the scores were tied at 18 apiece and the stalemate continued till the end of quarter, with Chicago having a slender 30-28 lead.
Bulls raced off to a 17-5 run and left the hosts baffled by taking a 53-38 lead deep through the second. As the teams headed towards the locker rooms Bulls were leading by 56-44. Early into the 3rd period, the Cavs narrowed the gap to 10 points 64-54. But the reigning MVP took charge and exploded with 10 points and 5 assists in the ensuing passage as Chicago capped of the segment with 94-71 advantage.
The last quarter was a low shooting affair, with the Bulls trending a passive tone due to the mammoth lead and the Cavs due to the inevitable loss. That was the only quarter where the Cavs managed to outscore the Bulls 20-18, but the game had already been decided.
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