Bulls edge Raptors in final second of overtime

Saturday LA Clippers 101-85Memphis     Washington 92-95Atlanta     New Jersey 102-89Charlotte

Monday, March 26, 2012
Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon during the second half. Net photo

SaturdayLA Clippers 101-85Memphis     Washington 92-95Atlanta     New Jersey 102-89Charlotte New York 101-79 Detroit     NOrleans 86-89 San AntonioHouston  99-101 Dallas Milwaukee  104-125 Indiana     G.State  111-108 Sacramento     CHICAGO Luol Deng grabbed a shot that had been blocked and put it in the basket just before the buzzer sounded Saturday night, rescuing the Chicago Bulls and giving them their NBA-leading 40th victory.At 40-10, the Bulls clinched a playoff spot. Teammate C.J. Watson drove for the basket but his shot was partially blocked by Toronto’s James Johnson and Deng was there for the winner. After officials reviewed the play to make sure Deng’s shot beat the buzzer, the Bulls had a 102-101 overtime victory on a night in which they were often outplayed by the 16-win Raptors."We’re lucky we had enough time to get the rebound,” Deng said. "When it left my hand it felt good because I saw the light after it left my hand. But then again, you never really know. We waited until they made the decision.”Johnson, an ex-Bull, had 20 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots, part of another determined effort by the Raptors, who gave Chicago a scare three nights ago before losing.Carlos Boozer had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulls, Deng added 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Watson had 23 points.Jose Calderon also had 20 points and 10 assists, and Gary Forbes had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Raptors, but missed two free throws with 6.4 seconds left in overtime.Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau was anything but pleased after the victory. The Bulls had beaten the Raptors 94-82 on Wednesday night in Toronto after trailing by 12 in the second half.The Raptors had a 58-44 rebounding edge, were aided by Chicago’s horrendous 3-point shooting—3-for-23—but were hurt by 20 turnovers.