Bulls 108 - 98 Kings
Final
  for this game

Bulls continue trek in Sacramento

Dec 29, 2011 - 3:45 PM (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bulls resume a season-opening, four-game California road trip by visiting the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

After winning their season opener in thrilling fashion against the Lakers in LA, the Bulls came down to earth in Oakland on Monday when Monta Ellis netted a game-high 26 points, and the Warriors caught Chicago off a Christmas hangover to come away with a 99-91 decision, giving Mark Jackson his first win as a head coach.

Reigning MVP Derrick Rose beat the Lakers on Sunday with a game-winner in the closing seconds, but shot just 4-of-17 from the floor in Monday's 13-point effort.

Luol Deng tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago, which will finish its trek against the LA Clippers on Friday before returning to the Windy City for their home opener against Memphis on New Year's Day. C.J. Watson and Kyle Korver finished with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

"You have to take care of the ball. You have to eliminate all of the ways in which you beat yourself first," Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said.

The Kings also stumbled after beating the Lakers to open their campaign. Gerald Wallace scored 25 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 with each player grabbing eight rebounds in Portland's 101-79 triumph over Sacramento in Rip City on Tuesday.

DeMarcus Cousins had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings, who were outscored 55-33 in the second half. Sacramento, which won at home over the Lakers Monday night, shot just 37.8 percent from the field.

Marcus Thornton scored 14 for the Kings, but Tyreke Evans was limited to four points after having 20 against the Lakers.

The downfall for the Kings was poor shooting in the second half. They made just 9-of-38 shots and had 12 turnovers in that time, leading to 20 Portland points.

"We had our moments, the first 16, 18, 20 minutes, then we fell apart," Kings coach Paul Westphal said. "We have to call it what it is. We will get better. I like our team a lot, but this was a step in our development that was painful."

Chicago has taken five of its last six games against the Kings. It has won three in a row in California's capital after losing nine straight there.






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