The Washington Wizards (17-19) defeated the host Chicago Bulls (22-14) 114-100, at United Center on Monday night.
This was a huge win for Washington who is desperately trying to stay relevant in the East. Wizards came into this game having lost five of their last seven games but did not play like a team that was in a rut, in fact they played a stunning team game. The Wizards logged an amazing 31 assists on 48 made field goals and shot 48 percent from the field. On the contrary, the Bulls had won six of their previous seven games but ended up falling apart in this one. In comparison to Washington's 31 assists, Chicago only had 18, they also attempted 18 less field goals; 81 attempts versus Washington's 99.
There was some good news for the Bulls on Monday night as they saw the return of their engine, Joakim Noah. Chicago went 7-2 without Noah, who missed nine games with a shoulder injury. He entered the game with about four minutes to go in the first quarter and went 0-7 from the field, but logged nine rebounds, four assists and one steal in 18 minutes. Derrick Rose finished with 23 points (8-13 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT) but only had one assist and four turnovers, in 31 minutes. Jimmy Butler dropped 19 points (6-15 FG, 6-7 FT), along with seven assists, four rebounds and three steals, in 38 minutes. Pau Gasol had a nice double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, in 28 minutes.
Despite missing two of their top players Marcin Gortat and Bradley Beal, Washington had seven players score in double digits and played a fantastic team game. John Wall was the maestro as he finished with 17 points (7-19 FG, 2-4 3Pt), 10 assists, five rebounds, three steals and one blocked shot, in 34 minutes. Drew Gooden was huge off the bench as he pulled down seven offensive rebounds. Gooden finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, in 26 minutes. Otto Porter Jr. chipped in 14 points (6-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt), eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 31 minutes.
The Wizards will have a good chance to gain more ground in the East as they host the Bucks, who will be on the second night of a back-to-back, on Wednesday. The Bulls will be facing the second night of a back-to-back when they visit Milwaukee on Tuesday.
