Dec. 31--The summary
In an all-around clunker that ended their seven-game winning streak, the Bulls shot 38.4 percent in a 96-82 loss to the Nets on Tuesday night at the United Center. Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler combined to shoot 5-for-27 as Butler failed to score in double figures for just the second time this season. Brook Lopez scored a season-high 29 points for the Nets, who also received 20 points and 11 rebounds from Joe Johnson.
Turning point
The Bulls shot 6-for-27 for 22.2 percent while losing the second quarter 31-14. They also managed just 13 points in the fourth quarter.
Tribune player of game
Lopez. And to think he wasn't supposed to start until Nets coach Lionel Hollins rested Kevin Garnett in the second of back-to-back games.
Big number
9. Tony Snell scored six points, his first dent of the scoring column since Nov. 24 at Utah.
The quote
"I thought we were flat from the start, our whole team. We were back on our heels. We have to play with more of an edge. Overall, I think we're making good progress. But things weren't going our way (Tuesday night)." -- Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau
The quote II
"It was interesting, to say the least." Thibodeau, on Aaron Brooks' second-quarter ejection
Up next
vs. Nuggets, 7 p.m. Thursday.
-- K.C. Johnson
