The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Chicago Bulls, 115-107, at United Center on Tuesday night.

The Nets (45-24) checked into the contest looking to at minimum hold firm in their No. 2 spot, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by putting up 64 points during a first half they emerged from with a 13-point lead. Brooklyn added another six points to its advantage during the third quarter to take a seemingly commanding edge, despite losing Kyrie Irving to an elbow to the head during the period. The Bulls (29-40) fought all the way back to get within six points with less than two minutes remaining before six free throws from the visitors clinched the win.

Kevin Durant led the Nets with 21 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Joe Harris furnished 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bruce Brown generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that also three assists and one block. Jeff Green totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Kyrie Irving and Blake Griffin posted matching 13-point tallies while handing out five and four assists, respectively. Mike James delivered 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Nicolas Claxton contributed a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks.

Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 41 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Coby White furnished 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Nikola Vucevic posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Lauri Markkanen poured in 11 points, while Daniel Theis finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.

The Nets return home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Bulls host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.