Luol Deng’s 23 points 8 rebounds and 4 assists lead the Bulls past the visiting Orlando Magic 99-93 Tuesday night.
The Magic out played Chicago for three quarters but were out scored 31-23 in the fourth, dropping their first game of the season.
Arron Afflalo led the Magic with 28 points, 19 in the second half. E’Twaun Moore added 17 points.
“We can’t play one-on-one basketball,” Orlando coach Jacque Vaughn said.
The Magic’s first year head coach has made it very clear this isn’t a team with All-stars and for them to be successful they will need to do the little things.
Bulls reserve Nate Robinson gave Chicago a spark off the bench, finishing with 11 points an 6 assists.
“I felt like we wanted it more then them,” Robinson said post game.
The Magic shot better from beyond the arc (42%) then they did from inside (41%).
Without Derrick Rose the Bulls will need to rely on great defense and ugly offense to win games.
“(Winning is) all that counts, but we need to play better,” Noah said. “This isn’t going to cut it against a better team. We’ve just got to keep fighting.
The Magic (2-1) will travel and play the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, tip off is at 8pm.
