Kirk Hinrich was masterful on both ends of the floor and notched a season-high and team-high 22 points as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers at the United Center Monday night, 95-83.
Lakers vs. Bulls final score: Stellar defense drowns Lakers, 95-83
Kirk Hinrich and the Bulls played stifling defense on the offensively challenged Lakers, who have reached their longest road losing streak in eight seasons.
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In addition to the offensive output, it was Hinrich's defense on Steve Nash throughout the night that disrupted the veteran and prevented Los Angeles from finding rhythm. Hinrich added eight assists and seven rebounds.
In addition to keeping Nash in check, Kobe Bryant had another difficult night as de facto starter Jimmy Butler gave the 34-year-old fits throughout the night in place of the injured incumbent Luol Deng. Bryant finished with 16 points on just 7-of-22 shooting.
The loss marks L.A.'s sixth straight on the road, the longest such losing streak in eight seasons.
In addition to missing superstar Derrick Rose, Chicago (24-16) was without its best perimeter defender in Deng. It didn't make much of a difference with respect to team defense, however, as the Lakers shot just 39.5 percent from the field and 17.6 percent from the three-point line.
Turnovers were the story of the first half for the Lakers (17-24), as they committed nine giveaways. They improved on their normally poor transition defense and allowed only three fast-break points in the first two quarters, despite not scoring any of their own during that stretch. Los Angeles was just 1-of-9 from the three-point line as they were relegated to perimeter shots as a result off the strong Bulls' defense.
The Lakers will travel south to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night to conclude their three-game trip while Chicago will host the Detroit Pistons on the same night
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