The Chicago Bulls open their 2012-13 season with a 93-87 win over the Sacramento Kings. The Bulls did not trail after the first quarter, and built as much as a fourteen-point lead in the second half before coasting to the six-point victory.
Chicago was led by Joakim Noah, who scored 23 points and added 10 rebounds in 40 minutes on the floor. Noah was an impressive 11/12 from the free throw line, and managed five steals and three blocks on the defensive end. Richard Hamilton added 19 points, Carlos Boozer scored 18, and point guard Kirk Heinrich dished out seven assists.
Sacramento point guard Tyreke Evans scored 21 points and hauled in 8 boards, shooting 8/13 from the field and a perfect 4/4 from the free throw line. Guard Macus Thornton came off the bench to score 15 points, while center DeMarcus Cousins scored 14 despite turning the ball over seven times.
The Bulls return to action Friday night against the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Sacramento takes on the TImberwolves in Minneapolis Friday night.