Feb. 09--Summary:
The Magic choked this one away, allowing the Bulls to steal a 98-97 victory and finish 3-3 on their road trip. Orlando led 97-91 until Tobias Harris' mindless clear-path foul on Jimmy Butler with 32 seconds to play. Then the Magic left Derrick Rose all alone for a 3-pointer, which he drained. The Bulls double-teamed Evan Fournier, who committed a back-court violation. Rose missed on a drive, but Pau Gasol slammed home the rebound for a one-point lead with 9.4 seconds to play. Niklola Vucevic missed a short jumper, but the 6-9 Harris was in a perfect spot for a follow-up layup. He missed, too.
Big Number:
12. Gasol finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds for his 12th consecutive double-double, extending his career-best streak. That also matched the NBA season high of 12 straight games by the Grizzlies' Zach Randolph.
Tribune Player of the game:
Butler appeared to jam his right shoulder on a collision with Victor Oladipo shortly before the half but played on. While on the bench, Butler's shoulder was wrapped. But he finished with 27 points, six steals and five assists.
Injury update:
Mike Dunleavy (ankle) missed his 19th straight game, and Kirk Hinrich sat out with a sore toe.
Up Next:
The Bulls host the Kings at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
tgreenstein@tribune.com
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein
