Wallace, Okafor lead Bobcats over Bulls

Emeka Okafor added 15 points, 21 rebounds and six blocked shots for the Bobcats, who snapped a four-game skid. Raymond Felton chipped in with 16 points and nine assists, while Matt Carroll had 17 points.

Ben Gordon had 20 points for the reeling Bulls, who have lost five of six games. Luol Deng tallied 19 points and nine boards, while P.J. Brown finished with 12 points.

The Bobcats entered the fourth quarter with a comfortable 10-point lead and continued to hold Chicago at arm’s length as the game headed toward the finish line. Carroll’s triple gave Charlotte a 84-72 lead with just 6:16 on the clock.

Chicago tried to climb back in it. Chris Duhon and Kirk Hinrich both sunk threes on consecutive possessions but the Bulls couldn’t get stops on the defensive end. Adam Morrison’s three put the Bobcats on top 89-78 with 4:11 remaining.

The Bulls never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way as Charlotte cruised to victory.

The Bulls took a 29-24 advantage after the opening 12 minutes but the Bobcats bounced back with an excellent second quarter. Wallace’s triple at the buzzer gave Charlotte a 49-45 edge at intermission.

The Bobcats then used a solid defensive third quarter to up their lead to double digits, 75-65, entering the final frame.

Game Notes

The Bobcats are 11-15 as the host this season...The Bulls are just 9-18 on the road this season...Okafor’s career-high and franchise record for rebounds is 25...Hinrich finished with 11 points for the Bulls.