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Bulls 96, Magic 94: Orlando's losing streak reaches seven games

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Andrew Nicholson and Carlos Boozer - USA TODAY Sports

The Bulls visited Orlando on Wednesday night and handed the Magic their seventh straight loss, 96-94.

The Orlando Magic remain winless with Glen Davis out of the lineup as the Chicago Bulls defeated them, 96-94, on Wednesday.

The Magic dug themselves into a hole during the third quarter where their deficit reached 18 points.

Point guard Jameer Nelson returned to the lineup after sitting out for two games because of a left hip injury. Nelson delivered a game- and season-high 32 points, but Chicago's front court negated his efforts. Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer outperformed the Magic's depleted front court with a season-high 31 points and 11 rebounds.

It's obvious Orlando is suffering without Davis' size and tenacity. The Magic's interior defense couldn't stop the Bulls' starting front court - and that was without Bulls center Joakim Noah, who missed the game due to the flu. Filling in for Noah, power forward Taj Gibson posted season-highs with 21 points and 11 rebounds, notching his first double-double of the year.

After coming off a franchise-record performance in rebounds, Nikola Vucevic tied his career-high with 20 points. Behind him was Arron Afflalo, who had 19 points. With 46 seconds to play, Afflalo hit a crucial three-pointer to bring the Magic within two.

Orlando will play its last home game of this stretch before starting a four-game road trip, facing the New York Knicks on Saturday at 7 PM.


Final - 1.2.2013 1 2 3 4 Total
Chicago Bulls 29 25 28 14 96
Orlando Magic 28 18 25 23 94

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