Morning Box Score: Bulls Outlast Raptors, Lead East by Three

By Angie Wiatrowski in News on Apr 3, 2011 2:00PM

AP Photo/John Smierciak

The Bulls didn’t let the last-place Raptors forget where they stand; almost. The Bulls gained a three-game lead in the Eastern Conference playoff standings with a close 113-106 victory over the Raptors Saturday night at the United Center.

Derrick Rose had 36 points and 10 assists, leading Chicago to their 15th win in 17 games. The Bulls lead Miami by three games and Boston by 3-½. Rose scored at least 30 points for the third time in five games as he avenged the Bulls’ loss in Toronto in February.

Carlos Boozer had 18 points and 10 rebounds while Luol Deng grabbed 17 points, and Taj Gibson had 15 points and 9 rebounds. The Bulls outrebounded the Raptors 43-33 and Toronto shot just over 50 percent.

Not only did the Bulls jump up a notch in the East and improve to 56-20, the win helped coach Tom Thibodeau break Phil Jackson’s record for wins by a first-year coach.

The Bulls will get some time to rest and will hit the hardwood Tuesday as they host Phoenix.