CHICAGO ? With a final score of 92-87, the Chicago Bulls came away with their 15th win of the season against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night at the United Center.
It was the Bulls' first game without their longtime small forward Luol Deng, who was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier in the day. The Bulls also missed the services of Carlos Boozer, who sat out with a sore knee.
Without its regular starting forwards, Taj Gibson ably filled in with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Jimmy Butler also turned in a fine effort with 13 points, five rebounds, and four steals. Joakim Noah added 14 points and 16 boards for as Chicago improved its record to 15-18.
Goran Dragic led the Suns with 21 points and Gerald Green added 15. The Suns dropped to 20-13.
The Bulls came out strong without their leading scorer and finished the first quarter up 27-25 before allowing a 16-4 run by the Suns in the second quarter. Fortunately, DJ Augustin helped the Bulls keep their lead going into the half by scoring eight points and four assists in the second quarter.
With a close game throughout the night, Kirk Hinrich hit an important 3-pointer with two minutes left to play in the game. His key 3 was followed by the two Suns turnovers that helped the Bulls seal the win..
The Bulls will next take on the Milwaukee Bucks Friday night. (KB)
Photo: Suns center Alex Len towers over Bulls Mike Dunleavy Jr at the United Center Tuesday night. The Bulls beat the Suns, 92-87.
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