The Bulls trailed 109-106 when Luol Deng, 1-for-7 to that point, sank back-to-back jumpers. Andres Nocioni, huge off the bench with 22 points, then drew an offensive foul on Zach Randolph. And Derrick Rose, who struggled with his shot for the second straight night, drove and scored while fouled for a conventional three-point play with 42.6 seconds left.

Trailing 106-102 in regulation after Randolph sank two free throws with 25.1 seconds remaining, Ben Gordon somehow made a three-pointer with Eric Gordon draped on his arm. Gordon's four-point play with 20.5 seconds remaining tied the game.

The Bulls had led 99-96 after Nocioni sank the second of two three-pointers in 25 seconds but had no answer for Randolph, who finished with 30 points. Randolph scored on consecutive possessions and also backed Drew Gooden into the post for a layup that Marcus Camby (19 points, 27 rebounds) tipped home for a 104-101 Clippers lead.

The Bulls played the final 31:22 without Tyrus Thomas, who went to the hospital for tests with what the team called a concussion. The injury dated to knocks to the head in each of the last two games and nothing that occurred Wednesday.

Then again, this might not be the roster that finishes the season, as general manager John Paxson confirmed he has been active in trade talks.

"I'm trying," Paxson told media before the game. "We've had a lot of conversations, as a lot of teams are. But there's nothing right now that we've been able to lock in on. We're trying to find some things that fit."

It's known the Bulls have had talks with the Kings, though it's unclear who on that roster interests the Bulls. Former Bull Brad Miller is available.

The Bulls also have expressed interest in Clippers center Chris Kaman, who didn't travel because of injury and who reportedly is not being shopped yet. Drew Gooden's expiring contract and solid averages that are near a double-double could attract interest.

Layups: Six NBA coaches already have been fired. Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro won't be another one.

"He has been terrific," Paxson said. "He has been good with players. But just like the players, Vinny's learning every day too. This is his first time through. Players make mistakes, coaches make mistakes.

"The thing I've been encouraging Vinny to do is stay upbeat and positive with the players and himself. He has to grow into this role and determine what he wants to stand for. That will happen." ...

Doctors removed the pin from Kirk Hinrich's surgically repaired right thumb. Hinrich, who has been running regularly, is projected to return in mid-February.