The New Jersey Nets snapped an eight-game losing streak with a surprisingly easy 97-85 road win over the Central Division-leading Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Saturday.
Deron Williams led the Nets' attack with 29 points including five three-pointers from nine attempts. Kris Humphries added 24 points and had a game-high 18 rebounds.
Despite the early offensive surge, Williams applauded the team's defensive effort as the Nets had relinquished double-digit leads in their two previous games.
"This was definitely the best defensive game of the season for us," Williams said. "We got going early, built a lead and didn't let it evaporate."
Chicago's five starters struggled, combining for just 45 points, led by Carlos Boozer with 16, while Joakim Noah was held without a point in 21 minutes on the court. Reserve Mike James matched Boozer with 16 points for the Bulls.
"Sometimes, games are won in the first quarter," James said. "Even though the Nets' record is what it is, this is the NBA, and if a team starts hitting their shots, it is hard to get them out of their rhythm."
The Bulls bench cut into the lead in the second quarter to narrow the deficit to as few as seven points before New Jersey pushed it back to a 14-point cushion at halftime leading 59-45.
NBA: Raging Bulls charge past Celtics with late surge
Govt's new telecom policy is a step forward
James Murdoch quits as director of Sun, Times, Sunday Times
Fed Cup: Williams gives US 2-0 lead over Belarus
Formula One: Another Senna to race for Williams