NBA -- Minus their Big 3, Spurs handle Bulls, 103-89

CHICAGO -- Even without their Big Three -- Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili -- who were nursing injuries Monday night, the San Antonio Spurs somehow found a way to win on the road.

Thanks to Kawhi Leonard, who stepped in and scored 26 points, the tough but depleted Spurs handed the Chicago Bulls a 103-89 beating at the United Center.

The Spurs shot 52 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range. They led 51-42 at the half and 60-46 with 9:09 left in the third quarter. And they put the issue to rest with a 13-3 run after the Bulls rallied to within a point early in the fourth period.

Danny Green finished with 18 points while Gary Neal and Tiago Splitter each had 16 for San Antonio, which improved its record to an NBA-best 41-12..

Making only 37 of 78 shots, including just 2-for-12 from three-point land, the Bulls fell to 15-12 at home and 30-21 overall. Nate Robinson led Chicago with 20 points and seven assists while Rip Hamilton chipped in 16. Despite playing with a sore right foot, All-Star center Joakim Noah registered seven points, 15 rebounds and five assists.

The Bulls enjoyed a massive 49-26 edge in rebounds, but they couldn't take full advantage because of their 19 turnovers against San Antonio's eight.

"They are terrific. They are going to make you pay for your mistakes," Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau told NBA.com. (JR)

Photo: Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points Monday night at the United Center where the San Antonio Spurs beat the Chicago Bulls, 103-89.