The Chicago Bulls recorded their first win of the season by beating the Detroit Pistons 97-93 on Thursday.

Tyrus Thomas provided the inspiration for the Bulls as he scored 19 points and 14 rebounds and other four of his team mates followed and finished the game in double figures: Luol Deng had 17, Ben Gordon 16, Joe Smith 13 and Andres Nocioni 10.

The Chicago Bulls had a poor season start and before the game against the Pistons they were 0-4. But they pulled their selves together and proved to strong for Detroit, who eventually lost despite 36 points from Rasheed Wallace.

"This was a must-win game for us," said Kirk Hinrich, who delivered 14 assists to his team mates.

The Bulls were 12 points clear in the second quarter, but in the third Rasheed Wallace changed gears and scored 14 points to pull the Pistons back in the game. Hamilton, who finished with 18 points, hit a jump shot and brought the Pistons at 94-93 with 1:35 remaining. But he fouled Gordon moments after that with 27 seconds left. Bulls guard missed one of the two free throws to give Detroit another chance.

“Sheed” failed to convert on the next jumper and Smith rebounded for the Bulls with 13 seconds left on the clock. Smith was fouled and sent to the free-throw line, but made just one shot to leave the Piston a last opportunity to send the game in OT.

Hamilton was the one that took the shot but missed it. Then Thomas rebounded and was fouled. He made one free throw to ensure Chicago their first win of the season.