The Orlando Magic dropped their first home game of the season on Friday night, falling 97-83 to the Chicago Bulls at Amway Arena. The Bulls are one of, if not the best defensive team in the league and challenged the Magic on almost every possession. Orlando shot 40% from the floor to finish with just 83 points.
The Magic cut Chicago's lead to three late in the fourth, but the Bulls responded with a 17-6 run to quickly jump back up comfortably and seal the game with two minutes remaining. Carlos Boozer was impressive for Chicago in the paint grabbing 13 rebounds, and hitting his patented mid-range jumpers for 20 points. On the perimeter, Derrick Rose dominated the Orlando guards, finishing with 21 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. Rounding out the three-headed monster for Chicago on Friday was Luol Deng, who added 21 points of his own in a game high 41 minutes playing on the wing.
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Dwight Howard combatted Boozer on the interior, leading Orlando with 28 points and 15 rebounds. But there was little else on the offensive end for Orlando, as Chicago clamped down. Jason Richardson hit three from downtown and added 17 points. The Magic now have little time to regroup, as they head cross country to start a four game road trip in Sacramento on Sunday.
For more on the Magic, please visit Orlando Pinstriped Post, SB Nation's Magic blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation Chicago and BlogABull, SB Nation's Bulls blog.