Nuggets vs. Bulls: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
The Denver Nuggets (0-1) play against the Chicago Bulls (1-1) at United Center
Game Time: 8:00 PM EDT on Friday October 7, 2022
Denver Nuggets 65, Chicago Bulls 72 (Q3 11:06)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Katy Winge @katywinge
Jamal Murray went to the locker room early and will not return tonight due to left thigh soreness. – 9:20 PM
Jamal Murray went to the locker room early and will not return tonight due to left thigh soreness. – 9:20 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jamal Murray won’t return tonight with left thigh soreness, I’m told. – 9:20 PM
Jamal Murray won’t return tonight with left thigh soreness, I’m told. – 9:20 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
DeMar DeRozan scored 19 points in the first half on 8-for-12 shooting. Nothing surprising, but it’s always bolstering for a team to see their stars at a high level in the preseason. – 9:15 PM
DeMar DeRozan scored 19 points in the first half on 8-for-12 shooting. Nothing surprising, but it’s always bolstering for a team to see their stars at a high level in the preseason. – 9:15 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Ready for another season of the Carushow pic.twitter.com/pXAWLxo54a – 9:14 PM
Ready for another season of the Carushow pic.twitter.com/pXAWLxo54a – 9:14 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nuggets gave up 72 points in that first half.
For this to be a team that’s focus this off-season was on the defensive end, that’s not the kind of half you can have and feel good about yourselves.
They hang up 63 of their own but have to key in on that end of the floor. – 9:13 PM
Nuggets gave up 72 points in that first half.
For this to be a team that’s focus this off-season was on the defensive end, that’s not the kind of half you can have and feel good about yourselves.
They hang up 63 of their own but have to key in on that end of the floor. – 9:13 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Up at the half.
DeMar DeRozan: 19 pts (8-12 FG) pic.twitter.com/xtrg0C0Fvk – 9:12 PM
Up at the half.
DeMar DeRozan: 19 pts (8-12 FG) pic.twitter.com/xtrg0C0Fvk – 9:12 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Halftime: Bulls 72, Nuggets 63.
Bulls look much better on both ends than they did in the preseason opener Tuesday. DeMar DeRozan appears to be in regular season form. He has 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting. He had 21 points on nine shots in the opener. – 9:11 PM
Halftime: Bulls 72, Nuggets 63.
Bulls look much better on both ends than they did in the preseason opener Tuesday. DeMar DeRozan appears to be in regular season form. He has 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting. He had 21 points on nine shots in the opener. – 9:11 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nuggets score 37 points in the second quarter but allow 45. They’re down 72-63.
Halftime rotations here. pic.twitter.com/NIx0Gw3VQz – 9:11 PM
Nuggets score 37 points in the second quarter but allow 45. They’re down 72-63.
Halftime rotations here. pic.twitter.com/NIx0Gw3VQz – 9:11 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Bulls 72, Nuggets 63 at half
DeRozan 19 pts
Green 9 pts (started for PWil)
Vucevic 8 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists
Bulls 65.9% shooting, 3 TOs – 9:10 PM
Bulls 72, Nuggets 63 at half
DeRozan 19 pts
Green 9 pts (started for PWil)
Vucevic 8 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists
Bulls 65.9% shooting, 3 TOs – 9:10 PM
Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
Jamal Murray grabbed the back of his left knee (maybe hammy, left knee is the ACL knee) and limped off the court. – 9:09 PM
Jamal Murray grabbed the back of his left knee (maybe hammy, left knee is the ACL knee) and limped off the court. – 9:09 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Watching Alex Caruso play >>>
@Alex Caruso | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/afFSH3S3wA – 9:09 PM
Watching Alex Caruso play >>>
@Alex Caruso | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/afFSH3S3wA – 9:09 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Looked like a hamstring for Jamal Murray just now. Grabbed the back of his leg. Slight limp as he walked off the floor and subbed out. – 9:09 PM
Looked like a hamstring for Jamal Murray just now. Grabbed the back of his leg. Slight limp as he walked off the floor and subbed out. – 9:09 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Jamal Murray grabbed at the back of his left leg there. Probably hamstring related. Hopefully nothing serious. – 9:07 PM
Jamal Murray grabbed at the back of his left leg there. Probably hamstring related. Hopefully nothing serious. – 9:07 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jamal Murray heads off the court with a slight limp. And he’s headed to the locker room. – 9:06 PM
Jamal Murray heads off the court with a slight limp. And he’s headed to the locker room. – 9:06 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
The Bulls have 38 points in the paint with 2:31 left in the first half.
That’s an egregious number. – 9:04 PM
The Bulls have 38 points in the paint with 2:31 left in the first half.
That’s an egregious number. – 9:04 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Zach just gets buckets.
@Zach LaVine | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/KsWxs71Xp3 – 9:03 PM
Zach just gets buckets.
@Zach LaVine | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/KsWxs71Xp3 – 9:03 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Here comes Patrick Williams for 2:58 with the starters.
The way Javonte Green has played with that unit, he needs to make most of them. – 9:02 PM
Here comes Patrick Williams for 2:58 with the starters.
The way Javonte Green has played with that unit, he needs to make most of them. – 9:02 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
MPJ hit that three and Malone never stopped staring straight ahead lmao – 9:02 PM
MPJ hit that three and Malone never stopped staring straight ahead lmao – 9:02 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Could this starting unit be better with Javonte Green rather than PWill? Hmmmmmm – 9:01 PM
Could this starting unit be better with Javonte Green rather than PWill? Hmmmmmm – 9:01 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
I’ll say it: MPJ has had a couple impressive contests on smaller Bulls players so far tonight. If nothing else, he’s giving defensive effort. – 8:57 PM
I’ll say it: MPJ has had a couple impressive contests on smaller Bulls players so far tonight. If nothing else, he’s giving defensive effort. – 8:57 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Deandre Jordan has stolen Felicio’s hands. Please give them back! – 8:56 PM
Deandre Jordan has stolen Felicio’s hands. Please give them back! – 8:56 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
No one talks about him, but Davon Reed has looked great so far this preseason. – 8:53 PM
No one talks about him, but Davon Reed has looked great so far this preseason. – 8:53 PM
Davon 👌 Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Much better first half from the bench players tonight, particularly Drummond and Dragić.
Dragić has six points already. Drummond just teed up a huge block after scoring six of his own. – 8:47 PM
Much better first half from the bench players tonight, particularly Drummond and Dragić.
Dragić has six points already. Drummond just teed up a huge block after scoring six of his own. – 8:47 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Andre Drummond playing big man basketball out there
@Andre Drummond | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/9EaHqV6tnk – 8:46 PM
Andre Drummond playing big man basketball out there
@Andre Drummond | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/9EaHqV6tnk – 8:46 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Much better minutes from the second unit thus far tonight. Donovan also has now brought back Green to play with the reserves, lining Patrick Williams up for some minutes with the starters. – 8:44 PM
Much better minutes from the second unit thus far tonight. Donovan also has now brought back Green to play with the reserves, lining Patrick Williams up for some minutes with the starters. – 8:44 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso already risking life and limb for transition dunks.
In preseason, Caruso told us he was going to try to be “a little smarter” about putting his body on the line this year, but pretty much everyone on the Bulls doubted that. – 8:43 PM
Alex Caruso already risking life and limb for transition dunks.
In preseason, Caruso told us he was going to try to be “a little smarter” about putting his body on the line this year, but pretty much everyone on the Bulls doubted that. – 8:43 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
New guys making their presence felt 😤
@Andre Drummond | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/Auu9RVtHKc – 8:42 PM
New guys making their presence felt 😤
@Andre Drummond | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/Auu9RVtHKc – 8:42 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Caruso on pace to play 15 games this season … relax, Alex. It’s preseason. – 8:41 PM
Caruso on pace to play 15 games this season … relax, Alex. It’s preseason. – 8:41 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
MPJ with 9 points and 4 boards after the 1st Q 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Xr7QktEIa6 – 8:38 PM
MPJ with 9 points and 4 boards after the 1st Q 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Xr7QktEIa6 – 8:38 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Make of this what you want, but we’ve heard all camp how much more vocal Zeke Nnaji’s been. He just talked a ton during that last timeout. – 8:38 PM
Make of this what you want, but we’ve heard all camp how much more vocal Zeke Nnaji’s been. He just talked a ton during that last timeout. – 8:38 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Pelicans turn a 20-9 deficit into a 26-25 lead at the end of the first quarter. Good play from 2nd unit, led by Jose Alvarado’s 6 points.
Also, New Orleans went 12 minutes without a single turnover. This after committing 22 of them against the Bulls in the last preseason contest – 8:38 PM
Pelicans turn a 20-9 deficit into a 26-25 lead at the end of the first quarter. Good play from 2nd unit, led by Jose Alvarado’s 6 points.
Also, New Orleans went 12 minutes without a single turnover. This after committing 22 of them against the Bulls in the last preseason contest – 8:38 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls 27-26 after 1. DeRozan and Vucevic each with 8.
Listen @670TheScore we will answer your questions @Chicago Bulls – 8:37 PM
Bulls 27-26 after 1. DeRozan and Vucevic each with 8.
Listen @670TheScore we will answer your questions @Chicago Bulls – 8:37 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
+3 after one.
Nikola Vucevic: 8 pts (4-5 FG), 4 reb pic.twitter.com/a4HI9JSOAC – 8:37 PM
+3 after one.
Nikola Vucevic: 8 pts (4-5 FG), 4 reb pic.twitter.com/a4HI9JSOAC – 8:37 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
The footwork 🤧
@DeMar DeRozan | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/PZC4a12V2I – 8:34 PM
The footwork 🤧
@DeMar DeRozan | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/PZC4a12V2I – 8:34 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
PWill just turned down an open shot that eventually went to a wide-open Coby White … who missed the three. – 8:34 PM
PWill just turned down an open shot that eventually went to a wide-open Coby White … who missed the three. – 8:34 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Second unit Patrick Williams doesn’t look much different than starter Patrick Williams so far. – 8:32 PM
Second unit Patrick Williams doesn’t look much different than starter Patrick Williams so far. – 8:32 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
MPJ checks out after 10 minutes in the 1st: 4-of-10 for nine points, four boards. On pace for 40 shots for you math wizards. – 8:32 PM
MPJ checks out after 10 minutes in the 1st: 4-of-10 for nine points, four boards. On pace for 40 shots for you math wizards. – 8:32 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
It’s preseason, Jokic is out, yadda yadda: still, all things pointing positive for Vučević so far.
Eight points and four rebounds to start this one. He looks active and comfortable moving through the paint on both sides of the court. – 8:31 PM
It’s preseason, Jokic is out, yadda yadda: still, all things pointing positive for Vučević so far.
Eight points and four rebounds to start this one. He looks active and comfortable moving through the paint on both sides of the court. – 8:31 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
So has the max money changed Zach LaVine? His coach said no way. That doesn’t mean there’s not room for improvement, however.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturda… – 8:31 PM
So has the max money changed Zach LaVine? His coach said no way. That doesn’t mean there’s not room for improvement, however.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturda… – 8:31 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Patrick Williams checks in with 4:33 left in the first quarter. On the floor with Dragić, LaVine, DeRozan and Vooch. – 8:28 PM
Patrick Williams checks in with 4:33 left in the first quarter. On the floor with Dragić, LaVine, DeRozan and Vooch. – 8:28 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
It feels great to be @UnitedCenter @Chicago Bulls @670TheScore We appreciate you listening ! – 8:27 PM
It feels great to be @UnitedCenter @Chicago Bulls @670TheScore We appreciate you listening ! – 8:27 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The offense is so much more functional against Chicago than it was against OKC, which is hilarious. – 8:26 PM
The offense is so much more functional against Chicago than it was against OKC, which is hilarious. – 8:26 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Zach to DeMar is a connection we love to see.
@DeMar DeRozan | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/Xshx7vYfSY – 8:25 PM
Zach to DeMar is a connection we love to see.
@DeMar DeRozan | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/Xshx7vYfSY – 8:25 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
DeAndre Jordan with the box out screen assist to MPJ on that o board – 8:24 PM
DeAndre Jordan with the box out screen assist to MPJ on that o board – 8:24 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
The Nuggets are up 11-9 just 5 minutes into the game. “Denver’s already scored more than the Broncos in last night’s game!” exclaims the Bulls play-by-play announcer as he kidney-punches the Rocky Mountain region. But also: facts. – 8:23 PM
The Nuggets are up 11-9 just 5 minutes into the game. “Denver’s already scored more than the Broncos in last night’s game!” exclaims the Bulls play-by-play announcer as he kidney-punches the Rocky Mountain region. But also: facts. – 8:23 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Javonte Green is one of the best off-ball cutters on the team. His activity there led to a layup. – 8:23 PM
Javonte Green is one of the best off-ball cutters on the team. His activity there led to a layup. – 8:23 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jokic-sub DeAndre Jordan with four rebounds, three dimes in five minutes. – 8:20 PM
Jokic-sub DeAndre Jordan with four rebounds, three dimes in five minutes. – 8:20 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
DeMar DeRozan starts this game with a rare 0-for-3 stretch before finally making back-to-back baskets.
Bulls looking a bit more comfortable on both sides of the ball to start this one, although the absence of Jokić makes it hard to assess the game fairly. – 8:17 PM
DeMar DeRozan starts this game with a rare 0-for-3 stretch before finally making back-to-back baskets.
Bulls looking a bit more comfortable on both sides of the ball to start this one, although the absence of Jokić makes it hard to assess the game fairly. – 8:17 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Denver’s defense so far has been pretty good. Lots of floaters and mid range jumpers forced. – 8:17 PM
Denver’s defense so far has been pretty good. Lots of floaters and mid range jumpers forced. – 8:17 PM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
DeAndre Jordan wins the tip to start the Nuggets’ second game of the preseason at Chicago. I’m watching from my couch in Denver. AMA – 8:12 PM
DeAndre Jordan wins the tip to start the Nuggets’ second game of the preseason at Chicago. I’m watching from my couch in Denver. AMA – 8:12 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Starting Javonte Green with this first unit might be a blessing for Williams. Stay tuned. – 8:11 PM
Starting Javonte Green with this first unit might be a blessing for Williams. Stay tuned. – 8:11 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Will be interesting to see how Patrick Williams deals with a little preseason benching. – 8:07 PM
Will be interesting to see how Patrick Williams deals with a little preseason benching. – 8:07 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Here’s what it’s like at the United Center in Chicago.
Nuggets vs Bulls coming up! pic.twitter.com/IH0XIzn4QS – 8:06 PM
Here’s what it’s like at the United Center in Chicago.
Nuggets vs Bulls coming up! pic.twitter.com/IH0XIzn4QS – 8:06 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Ayo Dosunmu will probably guard Jamal Murray most of the night. If not him, then Alex Caruso will.
Will be a good test for Murray on-ball, especially without Jokić. – 7:55 PM
Ayo Dosunmu will probably guard Jamal Murray most of the night. If not him, then Alex Caruso will.
Will be a good test for Murray on-ball, especially without Jokić. – 7:55 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
You can listen to tonight’s Nuggets vs Bulls game on @altitude925 or watch on NBA League Pass. – 7:54 PM
You can listen to tonight’s Nuggets vs Bulls game on @altitude925 or watch on NBA League Pass. – 7:54 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
New gif just dropped! Caption this 🤔
@Plus500 | @AndreDummond pic.twitter.com/85M1rgDWNM – 7:45 PM
New gif just dropped! Caption this 🤔
@Plus500 | @AndreDummond pic.twitter.com/85M1rgDWNM – 7:45 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Our @Chicago Bulls radio @670TheScore @Audacy broadcast team @AlyssaBergamini @34billy42 @richwyatt_ Fired up! 6:45 pre pic.twitter.com/SsTZqHbHsV – 7:41 PM
Our @Chicago Bulls radio @670TheScore @Audacy broadcast team @AlyssaBergamini @34billy42 @richwyatt_ Fired up! 6:45 pre pic.twitter.com/SsTZqHbHsV – 7:41 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
The squad to start 🤝
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/tbAWD0L8K9 – 7:30 PM
The squad to start 🤝
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/tbAWD0L8K9 – 7:30 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Woo gets the preseason start tonight vs. Denver.
@FirstAlert | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/ok8bJWrIm2 – 7:30 PM
Woo gets the preseason start tonight vs. Denver.
@FirstAlert | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/ok8bJWrIm2 – 7:30 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
The rookie warming up in the Agent Gil Zero UNDRCRWN lows.
@Dalen Terry | #BullsKicks pic.twitter.com/nJU7Ix5T7a – 7:09 PM
The rookie warming up in the Agent Gil Zero UNDRCRWN lows.
@Dalen Terry | #BullsKicks pic.twitter.com/nJU7Ix5T7a – 7:09 PM
Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Flight 8 is in the building.
@Klarna | @Zach LaVine pic.twitter.com/mxp01bx3PQ – 7:01 PM
Flight 8 is in the building.
@Klarna | @Zach LaVine pic.twitter.com/mxp01bx3PQ – 7:01 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
DeAndre Jordan is starting at center for Denver tonight with Nikola Jokic out. That gives Zeke Nnaji his turn to play with the second unit. – 6:59 PM
DeAndre Jordan is starting at center for Denver tonight with Nikola Jokic out. That gives Zeke Nnaji his turn to play with the second unit. – 6:59 PM
on deck! 
Michael Singer @msinger
Old friend Arturas Karnisovas catching up with some #Nuggets personnel. pic.twitter.com/oSCTJQNzG9 – 6:43 PM
Old friend Arturas Karnisovas catching up with some #Nuggets personnel. pic.twitter.com/oSCTJQNzG9 – 6:43 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Michael Malone: Jokic has had an MRI on his right wrist.
Said the MRI “showed nothing sinister.” – 6:37 PM
Michael Malone: Jokic has had an MRI on his right wrist.
Said the MRI “showed nothing sinister.” – 6:37 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Nuggets play the Bulls tonight in a couple hours. Jokić is out as previously reported by @Katy Winge.
Key points to watch:
-Who starts at center?
-How does offense fare without Joker?
-Can Murray/MPJ add to strong first game?
-Does Bones bounce back?
-Any changes to rotation – 5:28 PM
The Nuggets play the Bulls tonight in a couple hours. Jokić is out as previously reported by @Katy Winge.
Key points to watch:
-Who starts at center?
-How does offense fare without Joker?
-Can Murray/MPJ add to strong first game?
-Does Bones bounce back?
-Any changes to rotation – 5:28 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Go time @Chicago Bulls @670TheScore 6:45 pre. Join @34billy42 @AlyssaBergamini @richwyatt_ and me Bulls- Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/SiAQS9YxRJ – 4:57 PM
Go time @Chicago Bulls @670TheScore 6:45 pre. Join @34billy42 @AlyssaBergamini @richwyatt_ and me Bulls- Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/SiAQS9YxRJ – 4:57 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Hey @leaguefits, might wanna check in on PWat 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/mYj6GktWyU – 4:51 PM
Hey @leaguefits, might wanna check in on PWat 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/mYj6GktWyU – 4:51 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Cam Johnson (right thumb sprain) and Cameron Payne (right finger sprain) are expected to miss rest of preseason as precaution with injuries from Wednesday’s preseason win over Lakers.
#Suns play Monday at Denver, Wednesday vs Sacramento.
Open regular season Oct. 19 vs. Dallas. – 3:31 PM
Cam Johnson (right thumb sprain) and Cameron Payne (right finger sprain) are expected to miss rest of preseason as precaution with injuries from Wednesday’s preseason win over Lakers.
#Suns play Monday at Denver, Wednesday vs Sacramento.
Open regular season Oct. 19 vs. Dallas. – 3:31 PM
