The Chicago Bulls edged the Raptors 116-103 Wednesday night in Toronto, sweeping the season series 4-0.
The Bulls were led by Jimmy Butler who scored 23 points on seven of eight shooting. Pau Gasol added 18 points, Tony Snell 17 points, Aaron Brooks 16 points, and Nikola Mirotic 15 points for Chicago, who improved to 44-29 on the season.
In the opening quarter, the Raptors shot 50% from the field including 5 of 7 from three point range to take an early 29-20 lead. For the Bulls, Pau Gasol continued his solid starts scoring 10 first quarter points.
The Bulls bench was effective in the second quarter cutting the Raptors lead to 54-50 at intermission. Both teams shot over 50% from the field in the first half.
The Bulls and Raptors exchanged mini-runs during the 3rd quarter which saw the Bulls close within two but trailed 82-77 heading into the final frame.
The Bulls pulled even at 95 midway through the 4th quarter and scored efficiently down the stetch including a 13-2 run. Aaron Brooks connected on a pair of clutch three pointers late in the quarter to effectively clinch the game.