Nov 06, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Bulls small forward Luol Deng attempts from Orlando Magic power forward Gustavo Ayon during the second half at the United Center. (Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE)
It’s election night in America, as the Chicago Bulls took on the visiting Orlando Magic at the United Center.
The Magic came into this evening’s game undefeated so far in the season. However, the Bulls went into the game with a two to one record. They lost their first game to the Anthony Davis-less New Orleans’ Hornets last Saturday.
Coming into this game, the Magic were without star forward Hedo Türkoglu Türkoglu is out with a broken left hand he endured during the Magic’s game against the Denver Nuggets. He will be out for three weeks, which is why he didn’t play in the game against the Bulls. As well, Jameer Nelson didn’t play because of a strained right hamstring and sore groin.
With the first quarter underway, the Bulls get the first bucket. Carlos Boozer made a 17-foot jump shot as Kirk Hinrich assisted to him. The Magic would get their first bucket shortly as Aarron Afflalo dished the ball to E’Twaun Moore, who makes the 25-footer jump shot. During this quarter, the Bulls kept the lead right up until approximately 18 seconds remaining. Magic’s Nikola Vucecvic got the rebound from Hinrich’s missed layup, and passed it to Ishmael Smith who makes the jumper. After one, Magic lead 24-23.
The second quarter was similar to the first. Close game throughout with the Magic keeping the lead until halftime. Nate Robinson was a key player in this quarter. He assisted to Taj Gibson and Boozer at times, and he made several shots of his own. At the end of two, Magic lead 48-45.
Third quarter action underway, with both teams fueled up and ready to go. After the Magic gained control of the game, leading, the Bulls managed to attain the lead, as Hinrich makes a three-pointer, with Deng assisting to him. They kept that lead until the 5:28 mark, when Arron Afflalo made a close jumper. Gibson close the quarter with an alley-oop dunk, with the assists from Richard Hamilton. End of three, and Magic lead 70-68.
Finally quarter action on, and it was still a close game. Back to back right up until the 2 minute remaining mark started. Deng gets fouled twice and makes three of the four free throw shots. The magic keep on fouling, trying to stay alive in the game, as Butler makes three of the four free throw shots, as well. End of the fourth, and the Bulls win 99-93.
The Bulls won this game because of a few things. They had a better field goal percentage, making 47 per cent (40 for 84), had more assists with 27, more steals at seven and more blocks at seven as well. The Magic however, had a better 3 point percentage at 42 per cent, (8 for 19).
The Bulls star player this evening was none other than Joakim Noah. Noah had 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists and 5 block shots. The star for the Magic was Aaron Afflalo as he had 28 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block shot. Luol Deng lead the pack of Bulls scoring 23 points and had the most rebounds for Chicago with nine.
The Bulls would continue to their road journey, as they play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Nov. 8., while the Magic play against the Rubio-less Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow.