Bulls Bump Nets 90-82 to Even Series
Published at(BROOKLYN) — If there is any way to rebound from a blowout loss, the Chicago Bulls have found it.
After a 17-point loss in Game 1, the Bulls used stifling defense to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 90-82 on Monday night to even their first-round Eastern Conference series at one game apiece.
Joakim Noah fought through a foot injury to score 10 points and grab 11 rebounds, but it was his key defense down the stretch that helped the Bulls get the victory.
“I thought overall, I thought Jo was very rusty in the first game but willed it, and I thought he willed it again tonight and we needed every bit of it,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “To me, it’s obvious we’re a much better team with him on the floor.”
Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng combined to score 28 points as the Bulls became the first road team to win a playoff game this season.
Brook Lopez led the Nets with 21 points, while point guard Deron Williams struggled throughout the entire game. He finished with eight points on 1-of-9 shooting.
Game 3 is Thursday in Chicago.
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