Bulls 113, Raptors 106
Derrick Rose poured in 36 points and added 10 assists as the Chicago Bulls strengthened their hold on the Eastern Conference lead Saturday with a 113-106 triumph over the visiting Toronto Raptors.
Rose went 11 for 20 from the field while posting his third 30-point, 10-assist performance in the last seven games. He also went 13 for 14 from the free-throw line while adding three rebounds and three blocks.
The win moves Chicago (56-20) three games clear of Miami atop the conference standings, and 3 1/2 games up on third-place Boston. The Bulls have won 22 of their last 26 games, and barring a late collapse will enjoy home-court advantage throughout the East playoffs.
Carlos Boozer added 18 points and 10 rebounds while Luol Deng chipped in with 17 points as Chicago opened up a 10-point lead at halftime, then beat back a number of Toronto challenges in the second half.
DeMar DeRozan and Jerryd Bayless had 26 apiece to lead the Raptors (20-55), who were without starting point guard Jose Calderon and center Andrea Bargnani. Toronto's starting lineup, consisting of DeRozan, Ed Davis, James Johnson, Amir Johnson and Jerryd Bayless, was the second-youngest in franchise history.
Leandro Barbosa had 18 points in a reserve role while Davis added 17 points to go along with 11 rebounds and three blocks.