Jazz Defeat Cold-Shooting Bulls, 97-77
CHICAGO (AP) —Derrick Favors had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the Utah Jazz used a strong defensive effort to beat the Chicago Bulls 97-77 on Wednesday night.
The Jazz held the Bulls to a season-low point total on just 28-of-84 (33.3 percent) shooting. The Bulls were averaging 103.1 points.
Gordon Hayward had 18 points for Utah (13-23), and Trey Burke scored 17. Seven of the Jazz's wins have come on the road.
Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and reserve Taj Gibson added 15 points.
Chicago point guard Derrick Rose had just seven points on 3-for-15 shooting. The 2011 NBA MVP is shooting 25.5 percent (28 for 110) in his last six games.
The Bulls (25-11) went 3-2 on a five-game homestand. They are 11-7 at home this season.
With outside temperatures dropping below zero, the United Center was colder than usual — and the first-half shooting was quite chilly for both teams.
The Bulls were just 13 for 46 (28.3 percent) from the field in the first half, including 0-for-13 shooting by their starting backcourt of Rose (0 for 9) and Kirk Hinrich.
Utah suffered through 2-for-16 shooting over the first 10 minutes of the second quarter, but closed the first half with an 8-2 spurt for a 36-32 halftime lead.
The Jazz carried the momentum into the second half and opened the third period with a 13-5 surge run.
Following a timeout, the Bulls responded with a 9-0 run to trim Utah's lead to 49-46 with six minutes left in the third. Rose, who missed his first 10 shots, made back-to-back baskets on a driving layup and a short-range floater.
They had a chance to move even closer, but they had turnovers on back-to-back possessions, and Utah increased its advantage to 63-51 heading into the fourth quarter. The Jazz then opened the final period with a 14-3 run for a 77-54 lead with nine minutes to play.
TIP-INS
Jazz: Burke returned after missing the previous game with strep throat. Center Enes Kanter (right ankle sprain) missed his third straight game, and Alec Burks (left shoulder surgery) and Rodney Hood (left foot inflammation) are out indefinitely.
Bulls: Forward Mike Dunleavy (right ankle) was listed as questionable, but missed his third straight game. He might be ready to return over the weekend.
UP NEXT
Jazz: visit Oklahoma City on Friday.
Bulls: visit Washington on Friday.
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