Nate Robinson scores 24 points, leads Bulls past Bucks

Chicago, IL, United States (4E Sports) – Nate Robinson scored 24 points and Richard Hamilton added 23 as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 100-94, Tuesday in a preseason showdown at United Center.

Aside from scoring, Robinson also displayed his passing ability, dishing out 13 assists in place of starting point guard Kirk Hinrich, who did not play due to a sore right thumb.

Center Joakim Noah contributed 16 points and 12 boards, Carlos Boozer added 10 points and 10 caroms while backup center Nazr Mohammed chipped in nine points off the bench for the Bulls (2-2), who are still missing the services of recovering superstar Derrick Rose.

Playmaker Brandon Jennings was the only Bucks starter in double figures with 13 markers while backcourt partner Monta Ellis managed just eight on 3-for-8 shooting for the Bucks, who suffered their first preseason loss in three games.

Reserve center Samuel Dalembert submitted a double-double performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Mike Dunleavy also added 13 markers for Milwaukee.

Robinson and Hamilton waxed hot early, scoring eight points apiece as the Bulls took a 32-30 lead after 12 minutes of play.

Mohammed stepped up in the second quarter, scoring eight points during Chicago’s 17-2 run in the second period to extend its lead to 49-32.

Milwaukee trimmed the deficit to six in the third period after a three-pointer by Jennings but the Bulls retaliated with a 13-3 blast behind Robinson, Hamilton and Noah to extend their lead to 79-63.

Beno Udrih sank two foul shots with three minutes left to bring the Bucks to within 94-91 but the Bulls put the game out of reach after Robinson sank a jumper while Hamilton and Boozer sank four foul shots.

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