Bulls Edge Cleveland To Tie Toronto For The Last Playoff Spot

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Joakim Noah's tip-in with 1:21 left ended up being the game-winner after a wild final minute of misses and miscues, as Chicago inched past Cleveland, 109-108, at the United Center.

With LeBron James sitting, the Bulls are still standing. James played the part of cheerleader with the Cavaliers locked into the Eastern Conference's top position, aiding Chicago to climb even with Toronto for the final playoff spot in the East.

The two teams will meet on Sunday, but first the Bulls visit New Jersey on Friday while Toronto travels to Atlanta on the same day.

Derrick Rose led a balanced attacked with 24 points and 10 assists, Kirk Hinrich added a big scoring boost with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and Luol Deng notched a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Bulls have won three of four with four games left in their attempt to make the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons.

James watched Mo Williams drain six treys as part of a 35-point, James-like explosion that included 10 assists. Antawn Jamison chipped in with 23 points and six rebounds and Jamario Moon totaled 14 points off the bench. The Cavs have lost three straight on the road.