Homecoming Helps Fill the Seats in Chicago

CHICAGO — Ever since Michael Jordan retired, Chicago’ attendance has been on a decline at United Center. But the Bulls’ ticket sales received a boost Thursday night with the Clippers in town because of three players with ties to the Windy City.

Rookies Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles along with second-year man Corey Maggette were popular players, and they did not disappoint by acquiring nearly 150 combined tickets. With many supporters among the sellout crowd of 21,959, the Clippers ran away to a 93-80 victory over the Bulls.

“This was actually the part of the season I dreaded,” said Richardson, who led his teammates by picking up 88 tickets for family and friends. “But it was fun. I got a chance to come home. It wasn’t long but it was better than not at all.”

Richardson and Maggette grew up in Chicago, while Miles grew up in East St. Louis, Ill., and lived in Chicago with Richardson last summer.

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The Bulls may be the league’s youngest team but the young Clippers believe they’ve gained more by playing so many minutes. “We understand the game more than them,” Miles said. “The Bulls need to talk to each other more.” . . . Cherokee Parks, who sat out the previous two games because of back spasms, dressed for Thursday’s game but did not play. Brian Skinner started in his place.