Bulls' lead down to three over Nuggets at halftime

By K.C. Johnson

DENVER --- The Bulls still lead the Nuggets 52-49 at halftime Saturday night at the Pepsi Center, although momentum is swinging the Nuggets' way.

The Bulls led by as many as 14 in the first quarter and no longer are getting easy shots on the fast break. They also are no longer containing Carmelo Anthony, who scored nine of his 13 points in the period.

Luol Deng and Derrick Rose scored two and four points, respectively, in the quarter after scoring 10 apiece in the first. 

The Bulls were shooting free throws for the final 7 minutes, 43 seconds of the quarter as the Nuggets entered the penalty early. But Chauncey Billups had a huge quarter with 14 of his 17 points to offset that.