Rose, Bulls beat Knicks, win 8th straight

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NEW YORK — Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls stayed in the race for the NBA’s best record, overwhelming the New York Knicks to start the second half and winning 103-90 on Tuesday night for their eighth straight victory.

Rose scored 26 points for the Bulls, who opened the third quarter with a 26-2 spurt over the first 7-plus minutes and improved to 61-20. Luol Deng added 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Carlos Boozer had 14 points and 22 boards as Chicago outrebounded New York 51-33.

Chicago, already assured the best record in the Eastern Conference, entered play a game behind San Antonio for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

The tiebreakers are all even, so a random drawing would be held if they finish with the same record as the Spurs, who faced the Los Angeles Lakers later Tuesday.

Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points for the Knicks.