Chicago Bulls’ Joakim Noah dunks the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, in Philadelphia. Chicago won 96-89. AP
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania – Joakim Noah scored 21 points Wednesday, as the undermanned Chicago Bulls defeated the Philadelphia 76ers by a score of 96-89.
Luol Deng had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Chicago, who recorded their fourth win in five National Basketball Association games.
Marco Belinelli (16) and Nate Robinson (14) also reached double figures as Chicago outscored Philadelphia 17-9 over the final five minutes.
Philadelphia lost the second in the last three games, despite 26-points and nine-assists from Jrue Holiday and 16 points and eight rebounds from Evan Turner.
Thaddeus Young added 13 points and nine rebounds for the Sixers, who were done in by poor three-point and foul shooting. The 76ers went just two-of-14 from long distance and made just five of 11 free-throw attempts.
It was a quick turnaround for the Bulls who lost at home to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.
Chicago is without its starting backcourt of Derrick Rose and Richard Hamilton, who suffered a foot injury and could be out up to two more weeks.
Former league MVP Rose is working out but has yet to start practicing with the team after undergoing major surgery on his left knee.
The Sixers have injury problems of their own. Center Andrew Bynum has yet to play a game this season because of problems in both knees.
The Bulls have now won four in a row against the Sixers, including another victory earlier in December.