News / Sports
NBA Scores: Chicago Bulls Edge Detroit Pistons to Clinch Playoff Spot
Ben Gordon scored 25 points, Ben Wallace grabbed 19 rebounds and Kirk Hinrich hit two free-throws with 2.8 seconds remaining in the game to lift the Chicago Bulls (43-30) past the Detroit Pistons (45-26) 83-81 and clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Gordon scored eight points in the first quarter as the Bulls controlled the opening period and led after one 25-17.
That lead quickly evaporated in the second quarter as Tayshaun Prince scored nine points in the opening four and a half minutes to give the Pistons a 32-31 lead. Detroit continued to jump on the Bulls and opened up an eight point advantage with 3:11 on the clock. Chicago closed the half with five straight points and trailed by three at the break.
The two teams traded leads in the third quarter but Chicago managed to grab a five point lead with just over a minute remaining in the period. Detroit then scored the last six points of the quarter and headed into the fourth with a one point lead.
Detroit struggled in the fourth and hit just two field goals in the opening 7:43 and fell behind 77-65. The Pistons then went on a 14-2 run capped by a Prince jumper to tie the score 81-81 with nine seconds remaining in the game. But after struggling to even the score Kirk Hinrich drew a foul on a three-point attempt and hit two from the line with two seconds left to seal the game.
The win not only clinched a playoff spot for the Bulls but also brought them to within ½ a game of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the number two seed. Chicago now trails top seeded Detroit by three games with nine remaining on their schedule.
Prince led the Pistons with 26 points in the loss.
