The first quarter between the Denver Nuggets and the Chicago Bulls started with the Nuggets getting off to a hot start as they were out to a 12-4 lead less than four minutes into the game. Following a Chicago timeout, they steadily started to work their way back into the game. The starters were within four, and they were trading buckets back and forth down the stretch of the first period as the Nuggets looked complacent throughout the first en route to a 29-25 lead heading into the second quarter.
To start the second quarter, the Bulls quickly went on a run, and they were leading Denver early on prior to a couple of buckets from Jamal Murray to get the Nuggets back in front.