Bulls vs. Magic: Highlights, Twitter Reaction Grades and Analysis

The Chicago Bulls went into Orlando and dismantled the Magic by a score of 85-59.    

This was another strong display of Eastern Conference dominance for the Bulls as they played their fourth straight game without reigning MVP Derrick Rose. Their record is 3-1 in those games and two of those wins are against the two teams closest to them for the best record in the East. The Bulls improved to 38-10, while the Magic are 29-18.

Carlos Boozer played one of his best games as a Bull to pick up any slack in the offense created by the absence of Rose. John Lucas III also had another strong game as he came off the bench to help the Bulls fill the minutes left vacant by Rose. 

Tweets of the Night

NBA Guru makes a nice observation about the Bulls buying into what their coach is selling.

"

Watch the Bulls during timeouts. Every player is in the huddle paying close attention. This looks like a team that badly wants a ring.

— NBA Guru (@NBAGuru) March 20, 2012"

Bulls legend Scottie Pippen had this assessment of his former team.

"

Strong first half for the Bulls. Like @RonnieBrewerJr said, payback is on their minds. Now they've got to close this one out.

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) March 20, 2012"

ESPN Chicago's Nick Friedell tweeted about just how spectacular Carlos Boozer was, and added why his offensive performance was particularly impressive.

"

Boozer continues his hot streak against the Magic. He's got 22 points and nine rebounds. He's knocking them down over Howard. Bulls up 14.

— Nick Friedell (@ESPNChiBulls) March 20, 2012"

Must-See Highlight of the Night

This game was not as much about any one highlight as it was about complete domination by the Bulls. In light of that, check out the game recap. 

Grades for Key Bulls Players

Carlos Boozer: A

Who was that masked power forward out there? As hard as it was to believe the guy drilling his shots, grabbing rebounds and even playing a little defense was none other than Carlos Boozer. 

He finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds and four steals. 

Luol Deng: B-

Deng struggled with his shot, but he played excellent defense and was active. He had 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting and pitched in four rebounds and two steals.

Joakim Noah: C+ 

Noah's shot was broken all night. This is certainly nothing new, but he struggled to make an impact on the boards, and that is not like Noah at all. 

He finished with nine points, six boards and five assists. 

Grades for Key Magic Players

Dwight Howard: B-

Howard was efficient and active. He had 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting. He also grabbed 12 boards, but the Magic needed more from their franchise player on this night. 

Ryan Anderson: D

Anderson had an uncharacteristic off-night from the floor. He was 4-of-13, including 2-of-8 from long distance for 10 points. He was also thoroughly outplayed by his counterpart, Carlos Boozer.

Jameer Nelson: F

Nelson added very little in this game, and considering the Bulls were without Derrick Rose, this was a game the Magic needed him to be at his best. He was 4-of-11 with nine points and had just one measly assist.

Stat of the Night: 100

That is the number of wins for Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau. He passed Avery Johnson as the coach to reach this milestone the fastest.

Game MVP: Carlos Boozer

This game is what Bulls fans everywhere have wanting to see out Boozer since the Bulls acquired him prior to last season. 

He set the tone, and was unstoppable on offense. 

What's Next? 

Chicago will make the long trip up north to Toronto to take on the Raptors on Wednesday.

The Magic will stay at home to play the second in a three-game homestand to take on the Suns.