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 Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah came up big after taking cortisone shots and the Bulls came away with a much-needed win on a night when it appeared they would be blown out again.
The Knicks led by as many as 17 in the first quarter thanks to a torrid start by Al Harrington, who scored 14 of his 18 points in the period. New York attempted an NBA-record 29 3-pointers in the first half, hitting nine. The Knicks finished 16 of 47 from long range, setting an NBA season high for 3-point tries.
They were leading 79-75 about 4 1/2 minutes into the fourth when Chicago scored 10 straight points and 15 of 17, sending New York to its second consecutive loss after winning four in a row.
Rose scored 18 after injuring his right rib cage in Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Noah added 15 points and nine rebounds despite tendinitis in his left rotator cuff. Taj Gibson scored 12 points, including four in the go-ahead run, and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Danilo Gallinari and ex-Bull Chris Duhon each scored 18 for New York, but the Bulls were the ones making shots when it counted.
New York was leading by four after Gallinari's 3 with 8:35 left when Chicago took over.
Rose's layup made it 85-79 Chicago with 4:22 left, and after two free throws by Duhon, the Bulls put this one away. Rose drove for a layup and Salmons nailed a 3 with 47.7 seconds left, making it 90-81.
Gallinari made it a six-point game with another 3, then jawed with injured Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas after missing a jumper following two free throws by Salmons.
NOTES: It had been nearly two years since Knicks C Eddy Curry was in uniform at the United Center, and the former Bull and Chicago product was looking forward to the game. "This is definitely one of those days I circle on my calendar," he said. Curry went 0 for 2 from the field and scored one point in 3 1/2 minutes of action. The big man has battled injuries and struggled to stay in shape. Also, his 9-month-old daughter and her mother were murdered. His young son also was at the scene but was unharmed, and a custody battle followed. ... The Bulls lack an inside scorer. Curry has lacked a role with the Knicks, so could there be a reunion at some point? "Right now, I'm a New York Knick," he said. "I love my situation. I love home, also." ... Knicks G Larry Hughes was inactive because of a strained left groin and is expected to miss Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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