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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The NBA All-Star break officially began for the Bulls immediately after their 100-85 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats Wednesday night.

But judging by their lackluster performance throughout the game, it appeared the Bulls actually started the mini vacation a bit early.

''It was definitely an embarrassing effort and an embarrassing loss,'' Bulls coach Scott Skiles. ''Right from the beginning we knew we didn't have it. Just like [Tuesday] night, we were a step slow. We hung in there for a little while, but they just wore us down and we couldn't get anything going.''

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bulls :: No way to go into break