Bulls 108, Nets 87
Carlos Boozer had 24 points and the Chicago Bulls scored 22 of the first 30 points and hammered the host New Jersey Nets 108-87 on Monday despite limited involvement from reigning MVP Derrick Rose.
Rose played only 11 minutes before leaving late in the first half with lower back spasms. He didn’t return. Part of the reason for that could have been the score.
The Bulls led 22-8 on a jumper from C.J. Watson with five minutes left in the first quarter and extended it to 35-14 at the end of the period.
Luol Deng had 19 points in his second game back from a wrist injury for Chicago. Rose had four points and two turnovers while Boozer added six rebounds and five assists.
Deron Williams had 25 points and five assists for the Nets, who have dropped five of their last six and were playing shorthanded. Anthony Morrow, Mehmet Okur, Deshawn Stevenson and MarShon Brooks all missed the game either to injuries or personal reasons.