NBA – Bulls edge Celtics in 2OT to level series

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CHICAGO (NBA) - The Chicago Bulls needed double overtime but finally beat the Boston Celtics 121-118 on Sunday to level their first-round play-off series at 2-2.

Ray Allen's three-ball just 9.8 seconds from the end knotted the contest at 96-96 and then Derrick Rose missed a potential game-winning shot on a drive.

At the end of the first overtime, Ben Gordon was closely guarded by Paul Pierce but still managed to hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game against at 110-110.

The London-born Gordon is a player Great Britain hope will represent them at this summer's EuroBasket in Poland.

Rajon Rondo, who had 25 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds, had a chance to win it for Boston but missed a free-throw line jumper and the clash went to the second overtime.

Chicago never trailed in the second extra period although victory wasn't assured until John Salmons blocked Pierce's attempt from behind the arc.

Rose, the NBA's Rookie of the Year, had 23 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists while Gordon poured in 22 points and Salmons 20.

Pierce led Boston with 29 points and Allen weighed in with 28.

Doc Rivers, the Celtics coach, said his team hadn't executed at the end of the first overtime.

"We always foul, but even when you screw it up, they've still got to hit the shot and Ben Gordon made a hell of a shot," Rivers said.

Terrific Turkoglu Works Magic

Also in the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers are having quite a battle.

Their first-round series is tied at 2-2 after Orlando's 84-81 victory on Sunday.

Turkey international Hedo Turkoglu drilled a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining for the Magic at Philly.

Andre Iguodala had a chance to force overtime but his attempt from three-point land at the buzzer only managed to hit off the front of the rim.

Team USA's Dwight Howard had 18 points and 18 rebounds for the Magic.

Yao, Scola Fire Rockets

In the Western Conference, Yao Ming and Luis Scola provided a one-two punch for Houston on Sunday as the Rockets defeated Portland 89-88 to claim a 3-1 lead in their first-round play-off series.

China international center Yao had 21 points and 12 rebounds and Scola scored 17.

Houston have lost their previous six first-round play-off series dating back to 1998.

Cavs Sweep Pistons

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a 4-0 sweep of the Detroit Pistons on Sunday with a 99-78 victory in the Palace at Auburn Hills.

Team USA's star James had 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Cavs.

James averaged 32 points, 11.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists in the series.

Cleveland will now face the winner of the first-round series between Miami and Atlanta.

Miami are on top in that tie 2-1 after Saturday's 107-78 triumph in south Florida.

Dwyane Wade of Team USA erupted for 29 points in that victory for Miami.

Paul keeps Hornets in contention

In the Western Conference, the New Orleans Hornets trail Denver 2-1 after scraping a 95-93 triumph on Saturday in the Big Easy with their United States Olympic gold medal winner Chris Paul scoring 32 points and handing out 12 assists.

Dallas have pushed the San Antonio Spurs to the brink of elimination.

France international point guard Tony Parker had 43 points but it wasn't enough on Saturday as Josh Howard (28 pts) and the Mavs won 99-90 to claim a 3-1 series lead.

Kobe Bryant exploded for 38 points on Saturday to help lift the Lakers to a 108-94 victory over the Jazz.

LA lead that series 3-1.

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