Bulls extend unbeaten record

THE Chicago Bulls extended their NBA record wins to 72 on the final day of the regular season on Sunday, and the Atlanta Hawks avoided facing Orlando" Magic in the first round of the play offs with a key win.

Michael Jordan had 26 points in just 24 minutes of play and Scottie Pippen scored seven of his 20 points in a decisive 15-0 fourth quarter run in the Bulls' 103-93 win over the Washington Bullets.

The Bulls, the only team in NBA history to reach the 70 win plateau, finished 72-10 and will play Miami in the first round of the play offs.

In Miami, Steve Smith scored eight of his 22 points in a 16-0 burst in the third quarter as the Atlanta Hawks secured a 104-92 victory over the Heat.

The Hawks (46-36) will take on the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the play offs beginning on Thursday.

In Detroit, the Pistons cruised past the Milwaukee Bucks 108-`92. Detroit had their chance to finish in sixth place in the East taken away when Atlanta beat Miami. Detroit (46-36) will play Orlando in the first round of the play offs.

In Boston, Patrick Ewing scored 28 points as the New York Knicks wrapped up a 122-111 victory over the Boston Celtics.

In Charlotte, Penny Hard away scored 11 of his 19 points in a three minute span of the fourth quarter as Orlando reached 60 wins with a 103-100 victory over the Hornets.

In Sacramento, the Kings beat the Golden State Warriors 107-100. The Kings (39-43) are in the play offs for the first time since 1986, and will open against Seattle.

In Houston the Rockets prepared for defence of their NBA title by rallying for a 118-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Houston (48-34) will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

In Portland, Eddie Jones scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half as the Lakers edged the Trail Blazers 92-88. The Lakers (53-29) had Magic Johnson back after a three game suspension for bumping a referee.

At Indiana, the Pacers had a 89-88 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In San Antonio, Jim Jackson scored 35 points as the Dallas Mavericks downed the Spurs 103-98. The Spurs will face the Phoenix Suns in the first round.