Bulls edge out Cavs
04/09/2010 05:13:54 AM
Maurice Williams led all scorers with 35 points but his efforts were in vain as the Eastern Conference-topping Cleveland Cavaliers fell to a 109-108 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bulls.
Antawn Jamison weighed in with 23 points of his own as the Cavaliers narrowly won each of the last two quarters at Chicago's United Center.
However, a second quarter which the Bulls won by four proved decisive, with Derrick Rose (24 points), Kirk Hinrich (23) and Luol Deng (22) spearheading the home side's effort.
Western Conference leaders the Los Angeles Lakers came undone in a thrilling match against the second-placed Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets had a 10-point lead at the halfway mark but trailed going into the closing stages, before rallying for a 98-96 victory.
Carmelo Anthony (31) and JR Smith (26) shone for the Nuggets, with Pau Gasol (26) and Ron Artest (22) leading the visitors' effort at the Pepsi Center.
Tyreke Evans further staked his claim for the Rookie of the Year award as he helped himself to 28 points as the Sacremento Kings defeated fellow strugglers the Los Angeles Clippers.
A 32-18 last quarter at ARCO Arena made sure there was to be no late surprise in favour of the visitors, who went down 116-94.