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Kirk Hinrich stars for Chicago Bulls, Celtics win shortened game

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Kirk Hinrich stars for Chicago Bulls, Celtics win shortened game
OCT 20, 2014 LISTEN

Guard Hinrich posted a game-high 26 points in Chicago's 101-96 win against the Hornets on Sunday.

Hinrich shot 11-of-14 in 31:57 minutes on court, the most of any Bulls player.

Star point guard Derrick Rose had 17 points and three assists in less than 30 minutes of court time as the Bulls - set-up by a 35-point opening quarter - won their fourth pre-season game.

New recruit and Spain international Pau Gasol ended the night with a double-double, scoring 15 points and hauling in 10 rebounds.

The Hornets had contributors all over the board, with six players reaching double figures.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Lance Stephenson top-scored with 14 points apiece, while Marvin Williams (12), Al Jefferson (12), PJ Hairston (12) and Kemba Walker (10) all chipped in.

The Celtics were 95-90 winners over the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA's trial of a 44-minute game.

Last week the NBA announced Sunday's pre-season match would be reduced by four minutes to further analyse game-time lengths.

And it seemingly went off without a hitch as the Celtics downed the Nets at the Barclays Center.

Jared Sullinger starred for the Celtics, finishing with 21 points and 19 rebounds in the shortened game.

"I'm so used to seeing 12 [minutes] and I looked up and I saw 5-something on the clock. I'm like, man, normally I come out at the 7-minute mark," Sullinger said.

"They said, 'no, it's an 11-minute (quarter)'. So that explains everything."

Brandon Bass added 16 points off the bench, while Jeff Green shot 14 points.

For the Nets, Jarrett Black and Jerome Jordan had 17 points each.

In other results, star duo Dwight Howard and James Harden returned as the Houston Rockets upstaged the Golden State Warriors 90-83.

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost 112-94 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed 98-91 against the Utah Jazz.

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