Rose drops 29 as Bulls hold off Spurs
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 02 Mar 2012
Entering Wednesday night's game, the San Antonio Spurs were hotter than a tamale. They've won 12 of their last 13 games and they've protected their homecourt remarkably well, losing just once in 14 outings in this lockout-shortened season.
But San Antonio's streak and homecourt toughness both fell prey to the visting Chicago Bulls, who stormed through Texas and left town with a thrilling 96-89 win at the AT@T Center.
Derrick Rose led the way for Chicago with 29 points on 10 of 23 shooting from the field. The reigning MVP also had four assists, a shotblock and two turnovers.
It was a signature win for the Bulls, where the bench played a significant role by scoring 18 of Chicago's 31 fourth quarter points. Back-up point guard CJ Watson led the highly-regarded Bench Mob with 12 points while Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer chipped in eight points each.
In the end, though, it was the stars who sealed the deal.
Rose knocked down an 18-foot jumper to push the Bulls ahead 83-80 with just 1:09 left to play. And as the stubborn, never-say-die Spurs kept charging, Luol Deng dropped a 25-foot three-pointer that broke the Spurs' back and gave the Bulls a a narrow 86-82 margin that they kept until the final horn.
The Spurs played without superstar Manu Ginobili, but they got plenty of firepower from all-time great Tim Duncan, who turned back time with an 18-point, 10-rebound effort. Tony Parker had 11 points and 9 assists while Gary Neal exploded with 21 points off the bench.
LINSANITY CONTINUES. Jeremy Lin did it again.
The New York Knicks guard, who caught the NBA by storm with his fairy tale this season, continued his winning ways Wednesday night as the Knicks dumped the Cleveland Cavaliers, 120-103, at the Madison Square Garden.
Lin made 6 of 12 field goals and drained 7-of-9 free throws for 19 points. He also had 13 assists against only one turnover in 33 minutes of play.
Carmelo Anthony had one of his best games thus far since returning from injury. The 6-foot-9 forward finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Ex-Maverick Tyson Chandler, now prowling the lanes as the Knicks' center, had a monster game -- 13 points and 15 rebounds -- while Amare Stoudamire quietly chipped in 14 points.
The Cavs, who fell to 13-20, were led by Antwan Jamison's 23 points. (HDS)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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