Bulls bench play key role in win over Magic

The Chicago Bulls found themselves down 70-68 heading into the fourth quarter on Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic. After struggling in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday, Tom Thibodeau and the rest of the team did not want to make the same mistakes for a second straight game.

Coach Thibodeau turned to his bench on Tuesday night to ensure that his Bulls squad would play with the energy necessary to come away with the victory. Taj Gibson, Nate Robinson and Jimmy Butler joined starters Luol Deng and Joakim Noah to play most of the deciding quarter.

Gibson and Robinson had particularly effective minutes off the bench. Both players scored seven points in the final quarter, and Robinson also chipped in five assists. The unit also played tough defense, holding the magic to 9-of-24 shooting from the floor. Gibson spoke to reporters about the final units' strong effort.

"We just played with a lot of confidence. We were looking for each other and guys made big shots. Just playing with a lot of energy, taking the looks when we get them, not hesitating and getting stops on D"

The Bulls will need the bench to continue to contribute while waiting on Derrick Rose to return from injury.