First Cup: Friday

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune: With the NBA's best record, the Bulls know they can beat anybody. Still, there are moments in any season where statements must be made. And, having dropped five of their last six games to teams in playoff position, Thursday night at United Center provided such a test. The Bulls passed with more physical than flying colors, outlasting the Celtics 89-80 in a defensive struggle that looked more like a playoff game than regular-season affair.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/37074/first-cup-friday-184

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