Scola, Hill Power Pacers To Victory Over Bulls

Dec 04, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel reacts after a play against the Chicago Bulls during first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago, IL – The Indiana Pacers were looking to get back on track on the road tonight against the Chicago Bulls after a disappointing loss last night at home against the Denver Nuggets. Despite the injuries and overall expectations from the media, the Pacers were able to pull off a 99-90 victory over the Bulls. Both teams played a hard throughout the course of the game, but the Pacers made the winning plays down the stretch.

Derrick Rose sat out once again after tweaking his hamstring last game against the Toronto Raptors, and the Pacers were missing David West, George Hill, C.J. Watson, C.J. Miles, Rodney Stuckey, and of course Paul George. Indiana moved to 4-7 on the season with the win, and proved a point to the entire league as well.

Luis Scola, Solomon Hill, and A.J. Price all led the way in scoring with 21 points each. Scola came out of the gate looking like a completely different player than he has all season long, and knocked down 10-12 shots and grabbed 11 rebounds as well. Hill continued his impressive season by recording a double-double as well with 12 rebounds of his own. Price is still trying to prove to the Pacers that they should keep him around for the rest of the season with his clutch scoring.

Chris Copeland also scored 13 points to round out the double digit scorers for the Pacers, and knocked down 3-4 from behind the three-point arc.

Jimmy Butler came through for the Bulls with a career-high 32 points, but it ended up being for nothing due to the loss. Kirk Hinrich chipped in with 15 points and seven assists, while Pau Gasol was the only other double figure scorer for the Bulls with 12 points.

Needless to say, this was exactly the type of win that the doctor ordered for the Pacers after their loss to Denver. They came out and fought hard, while also coming away with a big win over a rival. Indiana went 3-1 this week, and it was a very welcome sight for them after the rough start to the year that they had.

Indiana will now look ahead towards the Charlotte Hornets at home on Wednesday night.