The Milwaukee Bucks cut what was at one time a 14-point Chicago Bulls lead to five points late in the fourth quarter, but that was as close as they would get in what ended as a 107-100 Bulls victory. The Bulls rode a barnstorming second half from Derrick Rose— who finished with 34 points, three rebounds and three assists— to that lead before sealing up the win with a barrage of free throws.
The Bucks got back in the game thanks primarily to a strong half from rookie Jon Leuer, who finished the game with 19 points on 9-11 shooting off the bench. The Bucks also received a massive game from Drew Gooden, who put up 23 points, 15 rebounds and six assists against the Bulls' vaunted frontline. But ultimately, Milwaukee was unable to overcome a third quarter that saw them score only 18 points.
Gooden's outstanding game was more than countered by the Bulls' starting frontcourt, with both Joakim Noah (15 points, 16 rebounds) and Carlos Boozer (20 points, 13 rebounds) tallying double-doubles. Kyle Korver scored nine points and added three rebounds in place of injured Bulls small forward Luol Deng.
The Bulls will be off on Saturday as they travel down to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat for the first time this season.
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