Bulls 107, Cavaliers 75
BULLS 107, CAVALIERS 75: John Lucas matched his career high with 25 points off the bench and Chicago clinched home-court advantage through the NBA Finals despite resting Derrick Rose and Luol Deng.
With the Bulls' playoff series beginning Saturday, coach Tom Thibodeau played his starters sparingly and still pounded the Cavaliers, who benched top rookie Kyrie Irving for their finale.
Joakim Noah had 13 points and 12 rebounds, Taj Gibson had 10 points and 12 rebounds and Ronnie Brewer grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds in 24 minutes.
Tristan Thompson had 13 points and 12 rebounds, Donald Sloan had 12 points and Antawn Jamison had 12 points, but shot just 4 of 18. Jamison, a free agent, said after Wednesday’s game that he wouldn’t return next season.
The victory gives the Bulls a 49-16 record and assures them home-court advantage over the San Antonio Spurs - should the two teams meet in the Finals.
GAME NOTEBOOK: It’s the second time this season the Bulls beat the Cavaliers by more than 30 points. They went 3-0 against Cleveland, winning each by an average of 30.7 points. … Luke Harangody had 12 points and five rebounds off the bench for the Cavaliers. … Omri Casspi injured his knee in pregame warm-ups, meaning no Cleveland player participated in every game this season.