The summary
The Bulls avoided losing a season series to the Pistons for the first time since 2005-06 with an 88-82 victory at the United Center. They led 47-35 at the half and extended that lead to 51-35 to start the second half. But the Pistons went on a 13-0 run to pull within 53-50 and the third quarter ended with the score tied 59-59.
Turning points
Pau Gasol completed a three-point play with a put-back slam and a free throw after he was fouled with 5.7 seconds left to give the Bulls an 86-82 lead.
Key number
37.1 — Percentage of Nikola Mirotic’s points scored in the fourth quarter during 15 games in March.
Tribune player of game
Gasol scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his league-leading 50th double-double
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Injury update
Derrick Rose was out but he is considered on schedule with his knee rehabilitation. Kirk Hinrich was out with a hyper-extended left knee.
The quote
“Taj was wide open, so I knew he was going to take the shot and I was hoping he would knock it down. But I had to get myself in good position in case he did miss.” Gasol talking about his clutch three-point play with 5.7 seconds left.
The quote II
“It’s a big adjustment for me playing 82 games in the regular season. That is something I was not doing in Spain. It’s fun and tough at the same time.” — Bulls rookie Nikola Mirotic
Up next
At Cavaliers, 2:30 p.m., Sunday.