The pregame hype of Derrick Rose versus Ty Lawson going head to head, with both players healthy was exciting for fans to be able to watch. Rose’s night though would be cut short and Lawson would capitalize after his departure. Denver Nuggets defeated Chicago Bulls 114-109.
Lawson scored 20 points, including a key jumper in the last seconds over Kirk Hinrich, who Lawson embarrassingly crossed over in the game as well. Lawson also had 12 assists. Lawson started the game 1-8 but ended strong when Rose left the game shooting 6-8.
Arron Afflalo dropped 19 points, Wilson Chandler had 14 points with 7 rebounds, Timofey Mozgov had 11 points and 9 rebounds and Kenneth Faried had 12 points with 9 rebounds as all the starters for the Nuggets scored in double figure for the first time this season. Danilo Gallinari also came off the bench for the Nuggets and contributed 15 points with 5 rebounds.
Bulls former MVP point guard Derrick Rose was limited to 10 minutes in his second game back from a left hamstring strain. Rose felt tightness in the hamstring during the first quarter and didn’t play the rest of the way. Rose only had 2 points and 3 assists.
Jimmy Butler had 32 points with 9 rebounds to lead Chicago and he has been the best part of the Chicago team early this season. Pau Gasol had to play big today as Bulls All-star center Joakim Noah didn’t play due to injury. Gasol had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Dunleavy contributed 17 points. Aaron Brooks came off the bench to score 16 points and E’Twaun Moore also came off the bench for 10 points and 8 assists.
Chicago Bulls are 9-6. Denver Nuggets are 7-7.
Full Game Highlights
