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Happy Utah return for Boozer as Bulls triumph

DERRICK Rose won his marquee point-guard duel with fellow All Star Deron Williams, while Carlos Boozer got the better of his former team, as the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz 91-86 on Wednesday.

Rose scored 11 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter and made key plays in the closing minutes to help teammate Boozer come out on top in his first game against Utah since signing with Chicago as a free agent for this season.

Boozer, who had spent the previous six seasons with the Jazz, was subjected to boos from the crowd throughout but managed 14 points and six rebounds for the Bulls (35-16).

"I got a little of everything," Boozer told reporters of his hostile reception in Utah. "I'm just happy I won. It's not a monster game or the biggest game of the season. We have to move on and keep winning."

Elsewhere in the National Basketball Association, it was: Spurs 111, Raptors 100; Magic 99, 76ers 95; Warriors 116, Nuggets 114; Mavericks 102, Kings 100; Nets 103, Hornets 101 (in overtime); Clippers 116, Knicks 108; Pacers 104, Bobcats 103; Wizards 100, Bucks 85; and Pistons 103, Cavaliers 94.

In Salt Lake City, Al Jefferson tallied a team-high 26 points and Williams recorded 11 points and 12 assists for Utah (31-23), but he also committed three critical turnovers in the final minute as the home team fell to its second loss in three games.

Key plays

Utah has lost three in a row at home for the first time since 2007. Trailing for most of the night, the Jazz stayed close throughout but could not make the key plays when it mattered the most.

Rose made two free throws with 13 seconds left to give Chicago an 89-86 lead and Williams made an errant pass on Utah's final possession to end its chances.

Rose defended Williams tightly the entire game.

"If it wasn't for my team's help I wouldn't have done that," said Rose of his pressure defense. "I was very locked in. (Deron and I), we're almost the same way. We'll come at you every time."

Bulls' reserves Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver, who had both spent the past few seasons with the Jazz, played an important part in the victory. Korver made a three-pointer with 2:16 to go to put Chicago ahead 87-83 while Brewer stole the late pass and made two free throws for the final margin.




 

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