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The Bulls have allowed more than 100 points in each of their
last five games, surrendering an average of 108.8 points per
outing, and that is irritating to coach Tom Thibodeau. “We’ve
got to get better; it’s really that simple,” Thibodeau told
reporters. “The way we’re playing is not acceptable, so we have
to change it.” Parker scored 18 points and Leonard had 17 points
and a season-high 15 rebounds in San Antonio’s 109-99 victory
over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE SPURS (27-16): The return of Leonard from a hand
injury has given back San Antonio its top defender as well as a
valuable scorer and rebounder. The 2014 NBA Finals MVP is
averaging 16.3 points and 2.3 steals in three games since his
return, and he is focused on helping the Spurs overcome their
slow start. “We all felt like we gave away some of those games
in December,” Leonard told reporters. “We just have to win out
these next (few) games and get into a rhythm going into the
All-Star break.”
ABOUT THE BULLS (27-16): Point guard Derrick Rose has put
together four consecutive strong outings and averaged 25.5
points and 6.8 assists during the span. He has gone 18-of-32
from 3-point range, and Thibodeau feels the former MVP is
regaining his previous form. “He’s gaining confidence,”
Thibodeau told reporters. “I think he was going through a long
period of time where he wasn’t playing and he’s just getting
that competitive edge back.”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. San Antonio has won three of the past four meetings.
2. Chicago C Joakim Noah (ankle) is listed as doubtful after
missing the previous three games.
3. Spurs SG Danny Green was 2-of-12 shooting in the win over
Denver after going 11-of-15 over the previous two games.
PREDICTION: Spurs 101, Bulls 97
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