The Chicago Bulls (4-3) lost on a controversial call to the Denver Nuggets (6-2) tonight at the United Center.  The Bulls tied the game at 89 with two clutch free throws from Derrick Rose with 10.4 seconds to play.  Chauncey Billups came back and hit a clutch free throw himself for the Nuggets, with only 0.6 seconds to play.  Billups purposely missed the second and the Bulls quickly rebounded and got a timeout with 0.3 seconds left.  That is when Brad Miller received the inbound pass and quickly caught and shot in one swift movement.  Miller hit the shot at the buzzer, and the refs reviewed to see if he got it off in time.  This really was a close call, but after seeing all of the reviews I could not see any conclusive evidence that the ball was still in Miller’s hand.  It was probably the closest last second shot the NBA has ever reviewed, but I just could not tell if Miller got it off or not.  Now I thought the rule is like the NFL’s replay:  only conclusive evidence can overturn a call.  The refs ruled it good on the floor, but after several minutes they decided that the ball was still on Miller’s fingertips when the red light went on, and ruled it no good.  I disagree with this call as I could not see any conclusive evidence the ball was still in his hand, but apparently the NBA doesn’t have that rule.

This was a tough way to lose, as the Bulls played very well in this one.  Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose led the way for the Bulls.  Deng had 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks while Noah had another great rebounding night, finishing with 21 boards, 2 blocks, and 12 points.  Rose had 22 points, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal.  Carmello Anthony led the way for the Nuggets, scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.  The Bulls are heading to Canada tomorrow night to take on the Toronto Raptors.