Nov. 05--The summary
The Bulls continued to flash offensive depth, placing five in double figures Tuesday in a 98-90 victory over the Magic at the United Center. With Joakim Noah out ill and Derrick Rose recovering from sprained ankles, Jimmy Butler's 21 points and nine rebounds led the way in the first of four games in five nights. For the second straight game, Butler attempted double-digit free throws. In their first four games, the Bulls have had five double-digit scorers once, six in double figures twice and seven once. Tobias Harris' 21 points led the winless Magic.
Turning point
Taj Gibson's defense and Nikola Mirotic's shooting sparked a 12-2, fourth-quarter run that changed momentum for good. Gibson blocked Elfrid Payton's shot in between driving baskets from Tony Snell and Kirk Hinrich. Then Gibson came up with a steal that led to the first of two Mirotic 3-pointers.
Tribune player of game
Pau Gasol. With Noah out and Gibson battling foul trouble, Gasol posted 16 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks in 41 minutes.
Big number
1. The Bulls have been at full strength just one time in the early going, for the opener in New York against the Knicks.
The quote
"We're playing hard and never giving up. I feel like we got to the free-throw line a lot. That was the key." -- Jimmy Butler
The quote II
"We're deep and we have quality players who are ready to perform. We don't depend on any one player to win and get it done." -- Pau Gasol
The quote III
"When I made the first (3-pointer), I was feeling it. Then I made the second one. They were important shots." Nikola Mirotic
Up next
At Milwaukee, 7 p.m. Wednesday.
