NBA Game Summary – Denver at Chicago

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Ben Gordon scored a game-best 37 points, on 4- of-7 three-point shooting, to lead the Chicago Bulls in a 116-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets at the United Center.

Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas had 12 rebounds each while scoring 22 and 21, respectively, for the Bulls, who have won two straight and three of four overall. Joakim Noah ended with 13 points and seven boards while Derrick Rose had 10 points, six boards and as many assists for Chicago.

The Bulls' new additions from Thursday's trade, forward Tim Thomas, center Jerome James and guard Anthony Roberson, did not play in the game. Center Brad Miller and forward John Salmons, acquired from Sacramento on Wednesday, also did not see action.

Chauncey Billups had 25 points and six helpers for the Nuggets, who saw their three-game win streak snapped. Nene donated 19 points and Linas Kleiza 16 in defeat.

A Kleiza three-pointer brought Denver within 99-92 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the game, but Chicago rattled off seven straight points to take a 106-92 lead with 3:23 showing on the clock. Noah started it off with a reverse layup, Thomas added a three-point play and Gordon's two free throws closed it out.

The Nuggets failed to get within single digits the rest of the way.

The Nuggets were up 31-21 after the first quarter but the Bulls tied it up at 54-all heading into intermission.

Up by three midway through the third, Gordon hit a three-pointer and then connected on a three-point play to open up a 75-66 lead with 3 1/2 minutes left in the frame.

Denver trimmed the margin to 83-77 heading into the final stanza.

Four points from J.R. Smith to start the fourth and a Chris Andersen tip-in tied the game at 83-apiece with just over 10 minutes left in the game.

Moments later, Thomas hit a jumper to spark a 10-0 Bulls run that gave the home team a 97-87 lead. Deng had four points on the surge and Noah closed it out via a dunk with 5:22 left to play.

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