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Bulls vs. Magic final score: Chicago survives late Orlando rally to record 96-94 win

Last-minute free throws from Luol Deng prevented a Chicago collapse.

USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally from the Orlando Magic, securing a 96-94 win with two clutch free throws from Luol Deng. The Bulls (17-13) built an 11-point lead on the Magic entering the fourth quarter, and a Carlos Boozer layup with nine minutes to play maintained that advantage at 86-75. Orlando (12-20) scored the next nine points, pulling within two of Chicago with more than five minutes left. The teams exchanged baskets down the stretch. Deng rebounded a Jameer Nelson jump shot with seconds to play, then made two free throws to extend the Bulls' lead to 96-92 and put the game out of reach.

Carlos Boozer led the Bulls with a season-high 31 points and 11 rebounds. Deng added 23 points, and Taj Gibson scored 21 and rebounded 11. No other Bull scored more than seven. Joakim Noah did not play due to illness.

Orlando was led by 32 points by Nelson. Center Nikola Vucevic had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and guard Arron Afflalo added 19 points.

The Bulls travel to Miami for a Friday game against the Heat. Orlando next faces the New York Knicks on Saturday night.