Struggling Nets upset the bulls
Struggling Nets upset Bulls
ONTARIO: The New Jersey Nets snapped an eight-game easy 97-85 losing road streak win with over a surprisingly surver the Central Division-leading Chicago Bulls at the United Centre on Saturday.
New Jersey (9-23), taking advantage of the absence of NBA MVP Derrick Rose who missed his fifth straight game due to back pain, opened up a 22--3 lead five minutes into the game and never trailed as they handed the Bulls (25-8) just their secondd loss at home this season.
Deron Williams led the Nets' attack with 29 points including five three-pointers from nine attempts. Kris Humphries added 24 points and had a game-high 18 rebounds.
Despite the early offensive surge, Williams applauded the team’s defensive effort as the Nets had relinquished doubledigit double leads in their two previous games.
“This was definitely the best defensive game of the season for us,” Williams told reporters. “We got going early, built a lead and didn’t let it evaporate.””
Chicago’s five starters struggled, combining the for just 45 points, led by Carlos Boozer with 16, while Joakim Noah was held without a point in 21 minutes on court. Reserve Mike James matched Boozer with 16 points for the Bulls.
“Sometimes, games are won in the first quarter,” James said. “Even though the Nets’ record is what it is, this is the NBA, and if a team starts hitting their shots, it is hard to get them out of their rhythm.”
The bulls bench cut into the lead in the second quarter to narrow the deficit to as few as seven points before New Jersey pushed it back to a 14point cushion at halftime leading 59-45.