The Bulls had missed their previous seven field goals until Kirk Hinrich swished a three-pointer with 0.8 seconds left in the first half, giving them a 47-46 lead over the Spurs.
After going scoreless in the first quarter, Derrick Rose tallied nine points in the second. Hinrich and Luol Deng each have eight at the break.
Tim Duncan's 12 points and nine rebounds lead the Spurs, who are shooting 50 percent but getting killed on the boards. The Bulls own a 19-0 edge in second-chance points.
Rose, making his first appearance since injuring a tendon in his right ankle on Oct. 2, played 16 minutes in the first half.
Derrick Rose comes out of the crowd during introductions before Bulls' season opener. (Scott Strazzante / Tribune)
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