Bulls get final playoff spot

CHARLOTTE, N.C.— The Chicago Bulls clinched the NBA’s last unclaimed playoff spot Wednesday night, as Derrick Rose scored 27 points and Joakim Noah added 21 points and 13 rebounds in a 98-89 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

Overcoming numerous injuries, internal strife, key trades and a horrible stretch early in the season, the Bulls (41-41) closed the regular season with a three-game winning streak to beat out Toronto for the right to face Cleveland in the first round.

Needing a win or a Raptors loss to New York to get in, the Bulls quickly took it to the Bobcats, never trailing and leading by as many as 18 points.

Charlotte’s Tyrus Thomas had 16 points and nine rebounds against his former team. The Bobcats had already locked up the seventh spot in the East and a first-round matchup with Orlando.

-- Associated Press