The Chicago Bulls held off a late fightback from the Cleveland Cavaliers to begin the new NBA season with a 97-95 victory at the United Center.
Leading comfortably for much of the evening, the Bulls required key defensive plays from Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler in the final minute to clinch the win over the Eastern Conference champions.
The Bulls, who were watched by their most famous fan, president Barack Obama, at courtside, raced out to a nine-point lead in the opening quarter as Nikola Mirotic impressed in his new starting role with 11 points inside the first 12 minutes, before eventually finishing with 19 in the game.
Fred Hoiberg looked to be heading for a comfortable win in his first game as an NBA coach when Chicago were leading by 13 at one stage, but the Cavaliers fought back thanks largely to 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists from LeBron James.
Derrick Rose, who wore a mask on his face after fracturing an orbital bone in pre-season, registered 18 points and was key in keeping the Bulls in front, before Kevin Love hit two late three-pointers to reduce the deficit to just two points in the final minute.
James was given the ball with the Cavs looking to tie the game, but Gasol timed a block to perfection and Butler then intercepted the inbound pass from Matthew Dellavedova to secure the win for the Bulls.
