CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Bulls used a dominant first quarter to power past the Brooklyn Nets 124-102 in an NBA game Sunday at United Center before a crowd of 19,753. The victory avenged a Bulls loss in Brooklyn two days prior. Chicago established control early, erupting for 39 points in the opening period to build a 17-point lead. The Bulls’ offense remained efficient throughout, maintaining a double-digit advantage the rest of the way. Brooklyn, which got 22 points from Nicolas Claxton, could not replicate its comeback from Friday’s meeting. The Bulls improved to 20-22. The Nets fell to 12-28.

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Bulls, fueled by a dominant first quarter and a balanced scoring attack, decisively defeated the Brooklyn Nets 124-102 in an NBA contest Sunday night at United Center. A crowd of 19,753 watched the Bulls improve to 20-22 on the season, while the Nets fell to 12-28. The result avenged a narrow 112-109 loss to Brooklyn just two days prior and split the season series between the teams. The most important part of the game was its opening act, which effectively decided the contest before it had truly begun. The Bulls came out with overwhelming force, scoring 39 points in the first quarter while holding the Nets to 22. Chicago shot efficiently from the opening tip, establishing an offensive rhythm that Brooklyn never disrupted. The 17-point lead built in that initial period provided a cushion the Bulls would never relinquish, allowing them to control the game’s tempo and withstand any subsequent pushes from the visitors. Chicago’s offense was a model of consistency and distribution. The Bulls scored at least 25 points in every quarter, with six players finishing in double figures. The starting backcourt of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu provided relentless perimeter pressure, while the frontcourt combination of Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith offered inside-out versatility. The Bulls’ ball movement was sharp, leading to numerous assisted baskets and open looks against a scrambling Nets defense. Brooklyn, conversely, struggled to find any sustained traction. After the first-quarter deficit, the Nets played the Bulls nearly even for stretches but could never mount a serious threat to cut the lead to single digits. Their offense was sporadic, relying on individual efforts rather than cohesive sets. While they showed fight in the second and fourth quarters, scoring 29 and 31 points respectively, defensive lapses at the other end prevented any meaningful comeback. The Bulls’ bench unit, led by Matas Buzelis and Kevin Huerter, provided critical energy and scoring to maintain the lead whenever the starters rested. Buzelis contributed with timely shooting and playmaking, while Huerter’s movement and scoring touch kept the Nets defense honest. Tre Jones orchestrated the second unit effectively, dishing out assists and managing the game’s pace. For Brooklyn, the effort was led by Nic Claxton in the paint and a scattering of contributions from role players like Terance Mann and rookie Nolan Traore. However, the Nets lacked a consistent go-to scoring option to counter Chicago’s multifaceted attack. Turnovers and defensive breakdowns, particularly in transition, led to easy Bulls baskets that continually extinguished any momentum Brooklyn tried to build. The game’s statistical profile reflected Chicago’s command. The Bulls outperformed the Nets in field goal percentage, three-point shooting and free throw accuracy. They also won the rebounding battle and committed fewer turnovers, translating to a significant advantage in scoring opportunities. The victory moves the Bulls back toward the .500 mark as they prepare for a challenging stretch against Western Conference opponents, beginning with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. The Nets, mired in a difficult season, will look to regroup quickly as they face the Phoenix Suns at home on Monday. The lopsided nature of Sunday’s game stood in stark contrast to the tight battle the teams played Friday in Brooklyn. The Bulls’ emphatic response, particularly in the game’s decisive first quarter, underscored their superior execution and provided a clear path to a comfortable home victory.

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Bulls (19-21) will look to continue their push toward the .500 mark when they host the struggling Brooklyn Nets (11-27) on Sunday at United Center. The matchup features a stark contrast in recent momentum. The Bulls are coming off a 128-126 home victory over Utah on Wednesday, powered by a season-high 35 points from center Nikola Vucevic. Chicago has won three of its last five games. Brooklyn, meanwhile, has lost eight of its last 10, including a 116-113 defeat at New Orleans on Wednesday. The Nets’ last victory was a 127-115 home win over Denver on Jan. 4. This will be the third meeting between the teams this season, with the road team winning each of the first two. The Nets won 113-103 in Chicago on Dec. 3, but the Bulls responded with a 73-59 victory in Brooklyn just two days ago on Jan. 16. A key battle will be in the frontcourt. Vucevic is averaging 19.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists over his last 10 games for Chicago. He will be matched against Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe, who has posted six double-doubles this season and is coming off a 15-point, 9-rebound performance against the Pelicans. The Bulls sit 10th in the Eastern Conference, holding the final Play-In Tournament spot. The Nets are 14th in the East, having lost five straight road games. Chicago guard Ayo Dosunmu, who had 15 points and six assists against Utah, and Brooklyn forward Michael Porter, who scored 20 points in the loss to New Orleans, are other players to watch. Following this game, the Bulls host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. The Nets continue a road trip against the New York Knicks on Wednesday.