Mike McGraw’s game tracker

Bulls 84, Nets 73

Feeling green: Where Boston failed, the Bulls pulled out a quality win at New Jersey. The Nets had won five in a row, including a home win over the Celtics on Monday. The Bulls moved a half-game ahead of Boston for first place in the Eastern Conference, and the Celtics have a three-game road trip (Houston, New Orleans, New York) looming.

Getting stops: The defense stole the show in Newark as the Bulls limited New Jersey to 73 points and 34.9 percent shooting. Nets newcomer Deron Williams had 11 assists but hit just 1 of 12 shots from the field. The Bulls have kept 11 of their last 12 opponents below 90 points.

Big inside: Rookie center Omer Asik pulled down 16 rebounds, Joakim Noah (10 boards) returned from a sick day, and the Bulls outscored New Jersey 46-22 in the paint. Carlos Boozer missed his fourth game with a sprained left ankle.