The Brooklyn Nets dethroned the Chicago Bulls 123-115 on Monday night.
Nic Claxton dropped 28 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Nets, Noah Clowney 20, Drake Powell 14 off the bench, and rookies Danny Wolf and Nolan Traore each had 13.
Brooklyn won three of the four meetings between the Eastern Conference teams that are rebuilding.
On the other hand, Bulls newcomer Anfernee Simons dropped 23 points, Collin Sexton scored 19 off the bench, and Matas Buzelis had 18.
The Nets began the third quarter with a 14-5 spurt over the first three minutes to extend their advantage to 15 at 74-59.
Chicago responded with a 30-15 run over the final nine minutes of the quarter to tie it at 89 entering the fourth.
Isaac Okoro hit two free throws two minutes into the fourth, giving the Bulls their first lead since early in the second at 93-91.
Brooklyn then had a 12-6 edge over the next three minutes to regain the advantage, 103-99.
Both teams traded scores the rest of the way, but Wolf’s layup with 3:33 remaining and free throws by Claxton extended the Nets’ lead to 115-107.
Meanwhile, the Nets have their leading scorer, Michael Porter Jr, sidelined due to right knee tendinitis and rookie guard Egor Demin. Chicago also missed Zach Collins (sprained right toe), Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring), Tre Jones (strained left hamstring), and Noe Essengue (left shoulder surgery).
Both teams will play on Wednesday: the Bulls at Boston, while the Nets host the Pacers.
