In the NBA, it was unclear what to expect of the Chicago Bulls this year. In the off-season, they let long-time stars Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah go as they looked to rebuild. In their stead they brought in Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo to team with Jimmy Butler.
And no one knew how the trio would mesh, considering all like to control the offense and have the ball in their hands. But things to seem to be going ok -- as the team from Chi-town was undefeated to start the campaign and would be looking to remain that way as they travelled to face the Brooklyn Nets.
Early on Jimmy Butler gets the rock on the wing and fires from three, helping the visitors take a 9-point lead.
Chicago stretches the lead to 13 off this dunk from Taj Gibson, thanks to a clever pass from Nikola Mirotic.
The Bulls would have their way in the paint against the Nets, Michael Carter-Williams misses the lay-in, but Cristiano Felicio cleans up the mess -- 17-point bulge now.
Jeremy Lin would try and trim the margin -- hitting from the land beyond, he had 14 on the night, but his team still trails by double digits.
Butler would help the Bulls take an 18-point lead after 1, getting the hoop and the harm, with the continuation. He finished with a game high 22.
Second q, and Nikola Mirotic makes it a 20-point margin as he is left wide-open for a triple. Nets in need of a time-out.
Brooklyn would try and chip-away at the margin, going inside to Brook Lopez, who muscles his way in for the And1. Chicago -- still well in front.
And they continue to add to the lead -- Isaiah Canaan hits a three to make it a 23-point game.
Lin would continue to try and lead a charge -- as he gets to the cup for the tough runner off the glass.
But this would be Chicago's day -- Dwyane Wade is able to get the scoop shot as the Bulls roll to a 30-point win and improve to three-and-oh.
In other action, Dwight Howard's 18 points and 11 rebounds keeps Atlanta unbeaten after a 9-point win over Sacramento. DeMar DeRozan hit for 30-plus for the third straight game as Toronto edged Denver. The Clippers keep Phoenix winless.
