Chicago defeated Portland for the first time in eight meetings since Feb. 25, 1998, when current Blazer Scottie Pippen was teaming with Michael Jordan to lead the Bulls to their sixth NBA title in eight years.

Facing the deep and talented Blazers, the Bulls were without reserve guard Jamal Crawford (ankle), lost forward Donyell Marshall to a rib injury midway through the third quarter and rookie guard Jay Williams to fouls with just under four minutes to go. It hardly mattered.

Chandler had the best game of his brief career. Matched up against Rasheed Wallace, the 7-footer collected 20 points and 10 rebounds in a huge first half, helping Chicago to a 57-46 lead.

After a slow start, Rose scored 22 points in the second half, when the Bulls built the lead to 18 points before holding off a rally by the Blazers.

Pippen scored 15 points for Portland, which was playing its fourth game in five nights. It also had a five-game road winning streak snapped.