The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 110 - 107, at Pepsi Center on Tuesday. While there were some huge swings in the first half, this game stayed close throughout the second half. The Bulls started the game up 31 - 19 after the first quarter, but the Nuggets responded with a 220 run in the second quarter to recapture the lead. From there, it was even throughout, as there were 13 ties in total with no team leading by more than six points for the final 14 minutes. Bench scoring was the biggest difference in this game, with the Nuggets bench combining for 61 points to the Bulls 13 combined bench points. Denver won many of the stats, as they won the rebounding battle, assist differential, points in the paint and fastbreak points. Chicago (9 - 6) is in the midst of the circus road trip and this tight loss made them 3 - 2 through five games. Jimmy Butler did all he could, as he tallied 35 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the defeat. Dwyane Wade was second on the team, as he scored 22 points on 9 - of - 21 shooting. Rajon Rondo accumulated 13 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists of his own. All five starters scored in double figures, with Taj Gibson and Robin Lopez each scoring 12 points a piece. On deck for the Bulls is a road matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Denver (6 - 8) has struggled in close games all season, but they were able to prevail here. Rookie Jamal Murray was the player of the game, as he scored a career - high 24 points on 9 - of - 13 shooting off the pine. Wilson Chandler was second on the team, as he provided 16 points and nine rebounds off the bench as well. Jusuf Nurkic recorded a double - double in the win, totaling 14 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Danilo Gallinari led the starters in scoring with 15 points on 6 - of - 9 shooting. Denver will be in action again on Wednesday, as they travel to play the Utah Jazz for their next game.
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