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The Chicago Bulls had won five of their last seven games heading into Saturday's matchup with Brooklyn, needing a win to jump the Nets in the Eastern Conference standings. Thanks to a strong bench performance, as well as solid games from feature guys Luol Deng and Joakim Noah, the Bulls got just that, winning, 83-82.
Chicago Bulls 83, Brooklyn Nets 82
The Bulls and Nets remained tight all night, exchanging leads several times, but never moving out of striking distance from one another. Deron Williams led the Nets with 25 points, two rebounds and five assists, while the Bulls' Joakim Noah recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Each player's effort led to a two-point Nets' lead with just over one minute to play.
With Brooklyn in possession, the Bulls swarmed Joe Johnson and forced a turnover. Marquis Teague grabbed the loose ball and darted up floor. Pressured under the hoop, Teague passed to Deng who dunked it home to tie the game. After Brook Lopez missed a jumper, Marco Belinelli came off a screen and drove for an uncontested layup, which proved to be the difference as the Bulls won, 83-82.
The win moved Chicago to 13-9 on the season.