Bulls Get Revenge Against Jazz

Nobody does payback like the Chicago Bulls.

“It’s a challenge,” said Michael Jordan, who had 23 points as the Bulls avenged a November loss to Utah by beating the Jazz, 102-89, Monday night at Chicago. “We don’t want to lose twice to a team. We don’t want to feel like any team has our number.”

The Bulls started the season with 12 consecutive victories before falling, 105-100, at Utah.

In their six rematches after losses last season, the Bulls went 6-0, winning by an average of 21 points.

“We don’t lose very often, so each loss is significant. We always try to get back at whoever it is,” said Steve Kerr, who had a strong game off Chicago’s bench. “Certain guys on this team have to search for challenges--Michael, Scottie, Dennis--and getting revenge is definitely a challenge for them.”

Scottie Pippen scored 24 points and Dennis Rodman had 16 rebounds for the Bulls, who are 12-1 overall and 9-0 at home since Dec. 11. Chicago’s 29-4 record is the NBA’s best.

Karl Malone scored 27 points and John Stockton 18 for Utah, which is 6-7 since opening the season 17-2.

Charlotte 109, Golden State 101--Glen Rice scored a season-high 39 points and Anthony Mason added 27 points and 18 rebounds as the Hornets opened a western trip with a victory at San Jose.

Vlade Divac had 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Hornets, who made 13 of 14 free throws down the stretch and finished 36 for 40 at the foul line.

Latrell Sprewell had 26 points and seven assists for the Warriors.

The score was tied, 90-90, when the Hornets went on a 6-0 run. The Warriors pulled to within 97-96, but the Hornets responded with a 6-2 run that included a dunk and a short jumper by Rice to make it 103-98 with 1:12 to play.