DeMar DeRozan makes history with seventh straight game of at least 35 points

He had tied Wilt Chamberlain with six such performances in a row earlier in the week, but now he stands alone. DeRozan also became the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan to log six straight games with at least 35 points this week, but he would have to keep up the pace after the break to catch His Airness' record of 10.

DeRozan did most of his damage late when the game was at its closest. He scored 12 points in the third quarter, getting it done from the mid-range, in the paint and at the line. He hit a pair of free throws to put the Bulls up 90-88 heading into the fourth.

In the fourth, DeRozan came up huge to help ice the win for the Bulls. He poured in another 12 in the period, including a run in which he either scored or assisted on 17 straight points for Chicago over five minutes to keep Sacramento at an arm's length. The Bulls pulled away late thanks largely to a collective defensive effort that held the Kings scoreless for over two minutes as they opened up a double-digit lead.

DeRozan is now averaging 27.9 points — fourth among qualified players — 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game on 51.5 percent from the field. 

The Bulls enter the All-Star Break at 38-21. They jumped into first place in the Eastern Conference with the win, but the second-place Heat play one more game before the break.