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The Bulls are slowly gaining momentum

The guys from Chicago won seven of their last eight games, but they cannot repeat the mistake Warriors made, underestimating the LA team and losing for it

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Bit by bit, the Chicago Bulls are getting into their rhythm and looking like a team ready to dominate East. The initial tune-up is behind them now, and the injury list has been reduced as well, so it's not much of a surprise that they're starting to win more than they lose. They won seven of their last eight games, including four in a row.

-The Chicago Bulls are staying healthy, and sky is the limit for this team. This will be a special year- said Joakim Noah.

After they took down the Raptors the night before, Tom Thibodeau's team won at Washington on Tuesday 99-91. The Wizards held a 1 point lead with three and a half minutes remaining, but then the Bulls put together a 12-2 series in which Derrick Rose scored 6 points.

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-I know where I'll be in a few months. You'll be surprised by my game- said the Bulls' point guard, who ended the game with 25 points (10/17) after scoring  29 (12/19) the night before.

In their previous 13 games the Bulls scored an average  106.7 points, but their three point shooting was not good at Washington (5/17), nor were they especially precise from the free throw line (16/24). However, they managed to dominate in rebounds (52-41) and score 50 points from the paint, while limiting the home team to 42.

-We were trying to distance them from the pain and stop them from shooting three pointers, which is much easier when Joakim and Taj (Gibson) perform the way they did. They can guard shorter players on the perimeter or at least get in their way when they take over guarding them- said coach Thibodeau.

Next to Rose, their most efficient player was Pau Gasol with 18 points (7/13) and nine rebounds, while Jimmy Butler stayed at 11 points (4/13) after averaging 31.0 points in his last three matches.

The Bulls are one of the best away teams in the league, but have a very modest 6-5 score at home in their United Center, which is by far the worst among the top five teams in the East. Tonight they have a good shot at improving it, as they'll be meeting a team that is way below their level in terms of quality.

-It's an honor, playing in front of your own supporters at Christmas is a big deal- says Rose.

On Tuesday the LA Lakers reminded everyone that they cannot be underestimated, by shocking the Warriors at home with a 115-105 victory, despite Bryant sitting that one out to recharge a bit prior to the trip to Chicago.

- I thing this is something that has to happen from time to time. We have to keep in mind he's been in this league for 19 years, and regardless of his willpower, he cannot play 82 games at the level he is used to. We looked at the schedule and decided this would be a good time to rest him a bit and prepare for the next game- explained coach Scott.

With Bryant off the court, the Lakers were more relaxed while playing, with no fear of someone criticizing their errors. They had a +10 lead after the first quarter, which they improved to 95-73 prior to the last period. The away team managed to close the gap to -8 points but that was the best they could.

- This was a team victory. We had lots of energy and we had fun, feeling good from the moment we stepped out on the court. Some of the guys played freely and did what they do best- said Nick Young, who scored 15 points (5/13).

The list with seven double digit scorers was led by Carlos Boozer with 18 points (8/11). He will be particularly motivated tonight as he was released by the Bulls this summer, after wearing their jersey for four seasons.