Here was a game that went down to the closing seconds and the Chicago Bulls made the key plays to come away with a close 90-85 win over the Indiana Pacers at the United Center.  Chicago ends its three game losing streak with the W.

Forward Nikola Mirotic scored from the sideline, nearly out of bounds, on a long two point shot to give the Bulls a slim 88-85 lead with 21 ticks on the clock.  Moments later, the Bulls broke up an Aaron Brooks pass and Dwyane Wade scooped up the loose ball to make an exclamation dunk with just 1.2 seconds left, giving the Bulls a five point cushion.

Chicago scored 27 points in the fourth quarter to emerge with the win. The Bulls (15-16) leapfrogged over Indiana to now qualify for the 8th and last playoff berth, if the season ended today. It hasn’t of course, there are lot’s of game to play.

Bulls backup G Michael Carter-Williams made his return from a wrist injury and played 19:00.  He made a difference with his athleticism.

Chicago had Wade with 21 points, Mirotic’s fine game of 20 points and seven boards, and Jimmy Butler with 16 points.  Robin Lopez added 8 points and 12 rebounds. Indiana was led by Aaron Brooks’s 19 points, his high for season playing against his old team. He looked fired up and played well.  Myles Turner scored 16 points and Paul George came on strong in the fourth quarter to add 14 points with eight assists.

The Bulls got scoring from Mirotic on Monday and that helped them with getting the victory.