Bulls 102, Magic 99
Derrick Rose scored 39 points and Carlos Boozer's two free throws with 1:26 remaining gave Chicago the lead for good as the Bulls defeated host Orlando 102-99 on Sunday.
The Bulls survived a potential game-tying 3-pointer by Jameer Nelson, whose 35-footer from the top of the key came after time expired. The officials ruled Nelson's basket came too late and replays confirmed the call. Ironically, Nelson hit a 3-point shot from halfcourt at the second-quarter buzzer
Rose, a candidate for the league's Most Valuable Player Award, was 13 of 17 from the field and made all 10 foul shots he attempted.
The Bulls (60-29), who will be the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, trail San Antonio by one game for the best record in the league.
Ryan Anderson, starting in place of the suspended Dwight Howard, scored 28 points to lead Orlando (50-30). His two free throws gave the Magic a 95-94 lead with 1:42 to play, but Boozer was fouled going to the basket and converted both foul shots.
Taj Gibson missed the second of two foul shots after giving the Bulls a 98-96 lead, but Luol Deng grabbed the rebound and gave the ball to Rose, who was fouled and made both free throws to give Chicago a four-point lead.
Jason Richardson, who scored 24 points, hit a 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left, but Boozer made two foul shots with two seconds remaining.
Howard was serving a one-game suspension after receiving his 18th technical foul of the season.