NBA -- Augustin shines as Bulls make it five in a row

CHICAGO --The Chicago Bulls toppled the visiting Charlotte Bobcats, 103-97, Saturday night at the United Center.

The victory extended their win streak to five and their third since trading Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bulls improved to 17-18.

DJ Augustin finished with 20 points and 12 assists and Joakim Noah supplemented with 19 points and 14 rebounds while Carlos Boozer added 12 and 10 boards.

Mike Dunleavy contributed 17 points, 13 of which helped secure a lead in the opening half as the Bulls bench also outscored the visiting team 43-9.

The Bulls had a strong start and took control early by distributing the ball and getting open shots with their pick-and-roll and high screens. They also controlled the boards.

Although the Bobcats rallied to within 73-72 after a Josh McRobert dunk in the fourth quarter, the Bulls responded with an 11-0 run to seal the deal.

The Bobcats tried to stay within the game until the final seconds with a Kemba Walker lay-up cutting the lead to four with 11.8 seconds but .

Kirk Hinrich secured the win from the foul line.

Gerald Henderson score a season high of 30 points, Kemba Walker had 29 points and Al Jeferson chipped in 20 points for the Charlotte Bobcats.

Despite the Deng trade hangover, the Bulls exceeded their averages per game with a field goal shooting percentage at 46.9 percent and a 42.9 clip from 3-point range percent.

Chicago also had 46 rebounds and 26 assists for the night. (MDC)

Photo: Bull's forward Taj Gibson delivers and savage dunk and posterizes Bobcats' center Bismack Biyombo in Chicago's win over Charlotte at the United Center.