Balanced Scoring Propels Bulls Past Spurs 92-85

The Chicago Bulls had their season and home opener at the United Center Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs; fortunately for them, guard Derrick Rose was in their starting lineup despite his problematic ankle. From all appearances, his ankle was just fine; he and five other Bulls scored in double-digits in a balanced attack, as Chicago won their season opener by defeating San Antonio 92-85.

As the final score indicated, shooting percentages weren’t particularly high as Chicago shot only 41.7% while San Antonio wasn’t much better at 42.3%. The first half was sluggish for both squads as neither shot well as the Bulls stumbled into halftime with a one-point lead at 47-46; the third quarter was a bit more promising for Chicago as Tyrus Thomas  started a 14-4 run halfway through the period and later dinked over the Spurs’ Richard Jefferson to complete a three-point play.

Kirk Hinrich would cap that run with a 7-footer which would put the Bulls up 72-58 with 2:19 left in the quarter; Chicago would go into the fourth quarter up 74-64 then would hang on for the final 12 minutes to earn the victory.

Six Bulls scored in double-digits, led by Luol Deng with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal while Hinrich added from off the bench 14 with 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.

Only two Spurs landed in double-digits, led by Tim Duncan with 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks while Manu Ginobili came off the bench to add 12 with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. Chicago (1-0) plays again on Friday when they take on the Boston Celtics while San Antonio (1-1) returns home to host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.

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