John Lucas' one-man show
Chicago Bulls guard John Lucas III, right, is congratulated by teammate Joakim Noah after a score during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic in Orlando, Fla. (March 19, 2012) Credit: AP
The Derrick Rose-less Bulls beat the Magic 85-59 Monday night. It was one of several UGLY games on the earlier slate of NBA games; the Celtics snuck by the Hawks in a barnburner, 79-76, Charlotte lost by 25 to the Sixers, and Tristan Thompson (yes, Tristan Thompson) led the Cavs to a win over the Nets.
For all the ugly basketball played early in the night, though, John Lucas managed 51 ridiculous seconds. Coming off the bench in the first quarter, Lucas drained three quick threes in less than minute to erase a 14-13 deficit and put Chicago up over Orlando 22-14. Lucas finished the game with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, including 4-for-7 from three, and posted a plus/minus of +25.
Chicago improved to 38-10, the NBA's best record. Orlando fell to 29-18.
Lucas' onslaught:
