Wednesday, 29 July 2026 · Philippines
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NBA -- Bulls' fourth quarter D grounds Rockets

CHICAGO -- The rampaging Chicago Bulls continued their winning ways on Monday night and scratched off the visiting Houston Rockets as their latest victims.

Pau Gasol made 10 of 16 field goals for 27 points to lead the Bulls, who have won 13 of their last 15 outings to improve to move up to second place in the Eastern Conference with a 25-10 record, just one 1.5 games behind the 26-8 Atlanta Hawks.

The 7-foot Gasol also grabbed 14 rebounds and a couple of blocks. But beating the Bulls required more than just a one-man demolition job.

Jimmy Butler finished with 22 points while Derrick Rose had 19 and nine assists. Nikola Mirotic sprang off the bench for 17 and Kirk Hinrich had 10 as the Bulls shot 41 of 85 from the field (48.2 percent).

Josh Smith led the Rockets with 21. James Harden had 20 but the All-Star guard made only 7 of 22 shots and went 0-for-9 in the fourth quarter. Dwight Howard recorded 12 points and 14 rebounds.

After a fiery start to the season, the 23-11 Rockets have lost six of their last 10 games. (HP)

Photo: Derrick Rose is stymied by two Rockets defenders. The former MVP still finished with 19 points as Chicago stopped Houston, 114-105.

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