Bulls’ Run At Record Blocked By Bullets

The Washington Bullets, trying to qualify for the playoffs and a chance to play the Bulls, gave themselves some hope for the future by handing Chicago its 10th loss of the season, 110-102 Thursday night in Landover, Md.

The loss ended any chance that Chicago could improve on its record-setting 72-10 record of a year ago. The Bulls now need to win their final nine games to match last season’s mark.

Elsewhere on the courts

Jamal Mashburn scored 23 points, including 10 straight in the fourth quarter, as the Miami Heat defeated Indiana 92-78 to open a three-game lead in the Atlantic Division race.

The visiting Los Angeles Clippers gained a 113-94 victory over the slumping Orlando Magic, whose lead over Cleveland in the race for the seventh playoff position in the East shrank to two games.

Matt Geiger had 11 of his 18 points in the third quarter, when Charlotte outscored New Jersey by 26, and the Hornets went on to beat the Nets 93-87 in East Rutherford, N.J.

Magic guard fined

Orlando Magic guard Brian Shaw was fined $2,000 for making an obscene gesture to a heckling fan Tuesday night.