INQUIRER Sports

Philadelphia ? Derrick Rose scored 23 points in his return from a a sprained left wrist as the Chicago Bulls snapped their losing streak at 10 games with a 98-84 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers yesterday.

Kirk Hinrich added 17 points and 11 assists, Brad Miller had 16 points, and Hakim Warrick 13 for the Bulls, 2 1/2 games behind Toronto for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Marreese Speights had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Philadelphia. The 76ers have lost 12 of their last 14 games.

Celtics 102, Mavericks 93

At Dallas, Paul Pierce scored 29 points, and Rajon Rondo added 20 points and 10 rebounds as Boston stretched its winning streak to four games.

Ray Allen had 21 points for the Celtics, beaten by the Mavericks 99-90 in Boston on Jan. 18 in their only other meeting this season. Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points, and Jason Terry added 18 to pace the Mavericks, 14-2 in their last 16 games.

Raptors 100, Nets 90

At East Rutherford, New Jersey, Chris Bosh scored 36 points as Toronto handed New Jersey its seventh straight loss and 13th in a row at home.

Jarrett Jack added 15 points for Raptors, 3-10 in its last 13 games. Devin Harris had 22 for New Jersey. At 7-62 with 13 games left, the Nets are in danger of breaking the NBA mark for single-season futility, set by Philadelphia (9-73) in 1972-73.

Heat 77, Bobcats 71

At Miami, Quentin Richardson scored all 18 of his points on 3-pointers and Michael Beasley added 16 points as Miami moved into sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

Dwyane Wade had 14 points on a poor shooting night, but made up for it with nine assists and five blocks to help Miami move a half-game ahead of Charlotte.

Stephen Jackson led Charlotte with 18 points.

Bucks 102, Nuggets 97

At Denver, Carlos Delfino had 26 points and John Salmons added 21 to make up for Andrew Bogut?s off-night as Milwaukee downed Denver.

Bogut, who averages 16.3 points and 10.4 rebounds, was limited to two points and three rebounds in 15 minutes. Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups each scored 29 points for Denver, but Anthony missed a series of shots in the final minutes.

OTHER RESULTS: Grizzlies 123, Warriors 107; Jazz 106, Hornets 86. /AP