Chicago Bulls Team Report - March 24

(Basketball News) - The Chicago Bulls suffered their second straight loss on Tuesday, as they found themselves on the wrong end of an 84-81 decision against the New Jersey Nets at the United Center.

Jamal Crawford scored 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the field for the Bulls, who dropped their 11th game in their last 13 tries. Eddy Curry chipped in with 12 points.

Prior to the game the Bulls announced that forward Paul Shirley will miss the remainder of the season after bruising a kidney in Monday’s night’s loss to Indiana.

Crawford’s steal and jumper got Chicago within 83-81 with 1:16 to play.

But despite missing a shot on its next possession, Richard Jefferson won a jump ball for New Jersey in the final minute. After retaining possession on a team rebound after a forced jumper by Jefferson, Kerry Kittles hit one of two foul shots with 7.2 seconds to cap the scoring.

Crawford’s three-pointer from the left corner hit the front of the rim and bounced off as time expired.

The Bulls have lost three of their last four and six of their last nine at home and are just 13-23 in their gym this season.

Chicago will return to action on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks.