CHICAGO -- The Bulls have been the NBA's chameleon team this season -- playing down to the doormats, but rising to the occasion against the powerhouses.
Not last night.
Scottie Pippen turned in a solid performance -- 24 points, eight rebounds and six steals -- and the Bulls routed the Bullets, 107-92.
It was just like old times for the Bullets here last night. Forget the two previous meetings this season, when they humbled the once-mighty three-time champions. This game was all too reminiscent of the not-too-distant past when the Bulls owned the Bullets.
Chris Webber and Juwan Howard led the Bullets (12-35) with 22 points apiece. Toni Kukoc had 22 points and a career-high 12 rebounds for the Bulls (24-25).
After escaping from Minnesota with a shaky 99-96 win Tuesday, the Bullets showed all the symptoms of back-to-back pain early last night. Each Washington starter had at least two turnovers in the first half, contributing to a team total of 16 in the first 24 minutes. Calbert Cheaney committed four turnovers in the first quarter alone.
Lynam had hoped to exploit the Bulls' general softness up front with his club's superior size, but the plan fizzled when the Bullets made 24 turnovers. The Bulls finished with 15 steals to the Bullets' four.
Pippen, subject of countless trade rumors but now resigned to finishing out the season with Chicago, was in all-star form. Rested and crisp, the Bulls hummed on defense, pressing, trapping and double-teaming the fumble-fingered Bullets.
"They're a team that likes to use finesse and quickness on defense," said Lynam. "And Pippen was just all over the court."
Trailing by 15 entering the fourth quarter, the Bullets clawed to within 98-89 with 4 1/2 minutes left. But the Bulls righted themselves, thanks in large part to pinpoint outside shooting by backup guard Steve Kerr (17 points, 11 in the fourth).
The Bullets finished their five-game road trip at 1-4.