The Chicago Bulls reverted to its up and down season, and were dominated by the free-wheeling visiting Denver Nuggets at the United Center.

The Nuggets had seven players who hit double-figures. All five starters mostly outplayed the Bulls, who had their four game win streak halted, 125-107.

Jimmy Butler had one of those tough games where he shot just 3-13 from the floor. He scored 8 points. When Butler has a bad game, the Bulls usually lose, and that was the case on Tuesday night.

The Bulls had the opportunity to make it five wins in a row against a team it could have defeated but the team fell short in the second half when the Nuggets took control in the third quarter.  The Bulls were outscored by 11.

Danilo Gallinari had 22 points for Denver. Nikola Jokic had a superb game.  Jokic had a triple-double with 19 points, 16 boards, and 1o assists. Gary Harris had 15 points for the winning team.  Wilson Chandler also added 20 points.

Chicago (29-29) did not get balanced scoring.

Guard Rajon Rondo had 19 points off the bench. Dwyane Wade also had 19 points and 7 assists. Newly acquired guard Cameron Payne shot 2 for 10 from the floor. That did not help the cause as Denver overtook Chicago and was in control in the fourth quarter. Denzel Valentine, the rookie guard scored  just 7 points. This followed his excellent night vs. Cleveland when he converted on some long treys.

With the Bulls, it’s you win two and lose three.  The Bulls were hoping to break that pattern with its longest winning streak of the season. The Nuggets showed up and the Bulls, particularly Butler, did not.

Denver shot 56.3% from the field. It also out-rebounded Chicago 45-35.

Chicago hosts the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.