Bulls Win Opener

Six Bulls players scored in double figures as the team defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 108-95 in the 2008-09 season opener at the United Center last night.  Forward Luol Deng led the Bulls in scoring with 21 points, shooting an efficient 8 of 13 from the floor.  Rookie point guard Derrick Rose got the start in the contest, and turned in a solid performance.  The homegrown floor general scored 11 points, dished 9 assists, grabbed four boards and swiped three steals in 32 minutes of play.  Forward Tyrus Thomas logged the most playing time, seeing the floor for 41 minutes last night.  Thomas had a good game, dropping 15 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block.

Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich both played well off the bench, as Thabo Sefolosha surprising got the start-though he only logged 12 minutes.  Both guards shot 50 percent from the field, as well as from three.  Hinrich ended the game with 15 points and 7 assists, while Gordon added 18.  This is a very encouraging win for the Bulls and gets the team off to a good start.  Vinny Del Negro appeared to have his guys prepared and fared well in his first regular season game as a head coach.

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