Asik returns to Chicago to help Rockets crush Bulls

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The Houston Rockets played Grinch to Bulls, spoiling their Christmas with a 120-97 clobbering.

Looking to bounce back after an embarrassing 92-75 loss to Atlanta on Saturday, coach Tom Thibodeau knew his club would have their hands full with the leagues highest scoring team.

The one thing about them is you have to play for 48 minutes, Thibodeau said prior to tipoff. If you let your guard down at all, youre going to be in trouble with their ability to score the ball. If you jog back, they push the ball after makes and misses, and you have to take those easy shots away.

His insights would come to fruition as Houston dominated the Bulls in every aspect and never seemed to be truly challenged in getting what they wanted.

Houston finished with a 31-8 advantage in fast break points and dominated in the paint, 62-32.

The Rockets were up 17 at halftime and led by as many as 35 in the second half. The Bulls were able to cut their deficit to as low as 15 in the fourth, thanks in large part to a scoring spree by Nate Robinson. But Houstons starters would come in and close the game to the tune they had established from the start.

Robinson led the Bulls with a game-high 27 points.

James Harden led Houston with 26 as all five of their starters scored in double figures.

Former Bull Omer Asik finished with 20 points, 18 rebounds and three blocked shots in his United Center return.

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