Balanced Bulls defeat Spurs

Derrick Rose scored 13 points and had seven assists to lead the balanced Chicago Bulls to an impressive 92-85 season-opening victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night at Chicago.

Rose had plenty of help, and Chicago pulled away in the second half despite Tim Duncan’s 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Spurs.

Luol Deng had 17 points and nine rebounds, a good start after missing the final 22 games last season. Kirk Hinrich had 14 points, and Tyrus Thomas scored all of his 13 points in the second half.

Besides Duncan, the Spurs were simply flat after opening with an easy win over New Orleans the previous night. Manu Ginobili scored 12 but made only three of 11 shots.

Denver 97, at Portland 94 -- Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets with 41 points, shooting 18 for 19 from the free-throw line. Brandon Roy scored 30 for the Trail Blazers. Portland’s Greg Oden missed two free throws in the closing seconds with his team down by one.