Morning Box Score: Blackhawks Tame Panthers, Bulls Embarrass Cavs
By Tim Bearden in News on Jan 21, 2012 3:30PM
Despite a late start due to snowy Chicago weather, the Blackhawks managed to stay focused to become the NHL's point leaders again this season. Hawks' forward Patrick Kane ended a seven game scoring lull with his second goal in 14 games. Kane also assisted center Jonathan Toews on a breakaway to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead in the first. The Panthers were only able to get 19 shots off against the Hawks, a season low for Chicago.
Derrick Rose sat out again Saturday night nursing his turf toe injury, but it didn't seem to impact Chicago's level of play. Bulls forward Carlos Boozer managed 19 points and 14 rebounds for another double-double this season and Luol Deng led the team with 21 points. The Bulls also set a franchise record with 16 blocks and showed that their bench can compete with their starters. C.J. Watson, back up point guard for Rose, scored 13 of his 15 points in the first half, and once Chicago got the lead, they never looked back. Let's face it though - if they lost to Cleveland, fans could pretty much write-off the rest of the season.