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With Rose back, Bulls beat Spurs in home opener
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Derrick Rose rejects a shot by San Antonio's Richard Jefferson.
Opening night.
It's time to see if Bulls (1-0) preseason number one ranking in defensive field-goal percentage (.403) translates to when the games matter, time to see if the new depth in the frontcourt can make us believe they don't need a star 20 and 10 guy, to see if Ben Gordon will continue to be an issue during mid-season, to see if last year wasn't just lightning in a bottle and it all starts tonight against the San Antonio Spurs (1-1).
If all those questions had to be answered tonight, you would have to say the Bulls answered them all, as they were led by a balance attack that saw six players in double figure, as they beat the Spurs 92-85
Derrick Rose mad his return to the starting lineup, after being out since the first preseason game with an right ankle injury and answered any questions anyone might have had about his coming back too soon.
Rose had 13 points, 7 rebounds and seven assists, completely outplaying Tony Parker (8 points, 3 assists.)
Luol Deng had 17 points and 9 rebounds, Kirk Hinrich had 14 points and 6 assists, Joakim Noah had 10 points and 10 rebounds and the Bulls out-hustled the Spurs on the glass 52-44 and controlled the game with second-chance points 22-13.
Tim Duncan was the only brightspot for the Spurs, totaling 28 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks.
"I told the guys before the game," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Play the right way. Play hard, do your job, work your minutes. It's a team game. Be ready to play. I thought the guys, overall were very consistent, very good flow. "
The Bulls blew the game open in the second-half with a 14-4 run midway through the third quarter, the Spurs would make a run, but unlike in season's past, the Bulls closed the game out against a team that many expect to contend for an NBA title.
The Bulls won't get anytime to relish on this game as they travel to Boston to face the team that they took to seven thrilling first-round games in last season's playoff. The Celtics boost an even deeper team and a Kevin Garnett, who although may not be one-hundred percent yet, but one who still plays with the same intensity.
Making matters even tougher is that the Celtics will be coming off two wins, one against the Cavs (95-89,) and an absolute dismantling of the Bobcats (92-59.)
The Bulls also boost a deeper team, however and after tonight, will look to continue answering more questions.
For questions, comments, reach me @:ccason4@sneakculture.com and follow me on www.twitter.com/C4DUNK
Spurs vs. Bulls highlights
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