July 13, 2007

Columbia, Mo. - Thomas Gardner continued his strong play for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA's Summer League, as he hit 3-of-5 shots, including a pair of three-pointers in an 88-72 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday evening.

Gardner was one of just eight Bulls to see action and scored his eight points in 14 minutes of playing time.

Through four games, Gardner ranks fifth on the team with an 8.5 ppg. scoring average and is shooting a solid 33.3 percent (5-of-15) from beyond the arc. He is also chipping in 1.3 rebounds in 18.3 minutes of playing time.

Kareem Rush did not play for the Pacers in their 78-66 loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday. Despite sitting out, Rush has been Indiana's top scorer this summer, averaging 18.0 points and 4.0 rebounds. The Kansas City native is shooting an incredible 61.9 percent from the floor (13-of-21) and an even more remarkable 80.0 percent (8-of-10) from beyond the three-point line.

Rush's shooting prowess even drew rave reviews from one of the greatest shooters of all-time, Indiana President of Basketball Operations, Larry Bird.

"I thought Kareem Rush, in the two games he played here, proved he could shoot the ball, which is what we need," Bird told Pacers.com. "I think all the guys we signed can help us out."