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

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

Andrew Nicholson and Carlos Boozer
Andrew Nicholson and Carlos Boozer
USA TODAY Sports

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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