CHICAGO - The Chicago Bulls ended the San Antonio Spurs five-game winning streak winning a closely contested game 92-89 victory Monday night at the United Center.
The Bulls came out strong against the Spurs after a disappointing performance against the Indiana Pacers in their last game in which they lost by double digits.
Pau Gasol posted a double-double to lead Chicago with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but his biggest play of the night was when he blocked Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge's shot with 1 minute left in the fourth quarter, thwarting San Antonio's attmept to seize the advantage.
?Everyone contributed in a positive way? Gasol said.
An that included former starter Joakim Noah who almost posted another triple-double off the bench. Noah had all the energy for the second unit, posting 8 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. His two biggest plays were off the dribble when he crossed over reserve forward David West for layups that ignited the United Center crowd.
Tony Snell and Doug McDermott also helped the offense with some timely 3-point shots. Snell hit all 3 of his attempts from deep. Those 3s made the difference as the Spurs only shot 14% from long distance, making only 3-for-14.
The Spurs had a chance to tie the game at the end but Kawhi Leonard missed a heavily guarded 3. Tony Parker grabbed the bounced ball but his shot was partially blocked by Derrick Rose at the end of regulation.
Former Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 25 points, while LaMarcus Aldridge also had a big night scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds.
It was a quiet night for the Spurs' Big 3 --- Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili --- as they failed to make a huge impact on the game. Duncan did have 12 rebounds but only 7 shot attempts, and Ginobili only 4 shots taken and 4 points.
Derrick Rose commented on how this team?s season is going so far.
?We are still missing some players. We are still getting used to each other. It?s just going to take a little more time.?
Chicago has a 10-5 record and will stay at home to face the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night. The San Antonio Spurs head back home to take on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Photo: Jimmy Butler stuffs 2 home in the Bulls' 92-89 win over the Spurs at the United Center.
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