Bulls grind past sluggish Spurs

By Dave Holcomb

Seven players reach double figures as Chicago holds San Antonio to 86 points

Going through a tough stretch during a season and having to overcome adversity is one of the biggest cliches in today’s sports, but that is just what the Spurs are doing right now.

San Antonio dropped its third straight game for the first time this season and the team’s eighth game at home this year, 96-86, to Chicago. The Spurs lost just seven games all of last year at home.

Greg Popovich’s team fell behind early and never really recovered.

Chicago, however, moved back to a game above .500 after dropping to 22-22 on Monday. Center Joakim Noah returned and played 40 minutes of complete basketball, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Like it has often this season, the Bulls offense stalled at several points during the game Wednesday, but was helped by a 12-0 run to end the first half and a 7-0 run towards the end of the third quarter. Noah brought a lot of energy on defense that aided the offensive outbursts and also created scoring opportunities for his teammates with eight assists.

The Spurs had 19 turnovers in the game and have only been held under 86 points one other time this season.

Additionally, point guard Kirk Hinrich returned from injury and scored 10 points off the bench. Shooting guard Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 19 points. Power forward Carlos Boozer had 16 points, point guard D.J. Augustin scored 15 and small forward Mike Dunleavy added 10. Taj Gibson had 15 points off the bench.

San Antonio will play one more game at home on Saturday, Feb. 1 before going on a nine-game road trip. Combine that with the All-Star break in between, and the Spurs will not play another home game until Feb. 26.

With Manu Ginobili out for the next three to four weeks, it looks like the Spurs will have to get through the longest road trip of the season without their shooting guard.

Sure, championships are not won and lost in February, but the opportunity of winning one can be lost.