Bulls Get Lift From Rookies

If rookies Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni can put on this kind of show in their first NBA playoff game, imagine what’s in store down the road.

Gordon scored 12 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, and Nocioni had 25 points and 18 rebounds to lift the Chicago Bulls to a 103-94 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. It was Chicago’s first playoff victory since the dynasty days.

“This is great for the franchise,” Gordon said. “We haven’t been here in so long.”

With the Bulls trailing, 82-77, after three quarters, Gordon scored 10 points and the Bulls opened with a 13-4 run. He got it started with two free throws after being fouled by Anthony Peeler, then followed with a jump shot from the top of the key. Chris Duhon then poked the ball away from Juan Dixon and took it in for a fastbreak layup, cutting Washington’s lead to 84-83 with 8 minutes 42 seconds to play.

After a timeout, Nocioni tied the score with a free throw, and Gordon made a three-point basket to put Chicago ahead for good, 87-84, with 8:18 to play.

The Wizards’ loss spoiled a superb game by Larry Hughes, who scored 24 of his 31 points in the first half on 10-for-12 shooting. But the Wizards got little from the rest of their Big Three. Gilbert Arenas scored nine points, 16 below his average, and Antawn Jamison had 14 points.