Bulls doing whatever it takes to win
One glance at the scoreboard was enough to know this game was out of character for the Bulls.
Triple-digit shootouts are not coach Tom Thibodeau's trademark. But the Bulls were able to outscore the energetic Philadelphia 76ers 118-115 on Friday at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Bulls improved to 5-1 on the season, while the Sixers dropped to 0-6.
This was just the second time in Thibodeau's five seasons as head coach when both teams scored at least 115 points in regulation. It also happened on Feb. 12, 2012, when the Bulls knocked off Sacramento 121-115.
“But I am pleased we find ways to win,” Thibodeau told reporters after the contest. “At the end of the day, that's what we've got to do. We have to keep scratching out wins.”
Derrick Rose missed the game because of continued soreness in his two sprained ankles. Joakim Noah returned from two games off with an illness to grab 9 rebounds.
The Bulls did what they've done best so far this season. Not defense, but using their depth as a powerful weapon.
Mike Dunleavy led the way with 27 points, hitting 5 of 8 shots from 3-point range. Jimmy Butler turned in another stellar performance, posting 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
Pau Gasol delivered another solid effort, with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Guards Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks combined for 23 points and 11 assists in Rose's absence.
“I thought our guys did a good job of recognizing that (Dunleavy) was going well,” Thibodeau said. “They were searching him out and making plays for him. That's what I like about our team. I think it's a very unselfish team. They recognize when someone's going good; they'll screen for him, they'll get him open and then the ball will find him.
“Kirk and Aaron filling in for Derrick, they've been great. We haven't missed a beat. That's what I like about our team. Whoever's in there, just go in and get the job done.”
The teams were tied 57-57 at halftime. Then Dunleavy led a surge that pushed the Bulls into a 92-76 lead at the end of three quarters.
“Offense is not a problem,” Thibodeau said. “We're getting to the line. We're shooting the 3 well. I think we have a good balance, inside-out. Turnovers, we've got to get down. But I like us offensively a lot.”
It looked like an easy win, but behind guard Tony Wroten (31 points), Philadelphia fought back and got within 116-115 with five seconds left on a Chris Johnson 3-pointer. Hinrich delivered 2 free throws and a desperation heave by Johnson wasn't close.
The Sixers are expected to be one of the league's worst teams, but played well at times with reigning rookie of the year Michael Carter-Williams and second-year center Nerlens Noel sidelined by injuries.
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