Once again the Pacers were competitive the entire game but couldn’t seal the win.
Indiana led the majority of the first half and the game was tied at 67 at the end of three. Chicago aka Derrick Rose rallied to a 96-90 win improving to 2-0 in the series.
The telling statistic was rebounding as Chicago out-boarded the Pacers 57-33 including 20 on the offensive glad. That was a key coming in and will remain a top priority in the series.
Chicago also struggled taking care of the ball, turning it over 20 times.
The officials were rather whistle-happy, something both teams had to deal with combining for 25 in the first half alone. It was worse for the Pacers because Roy Hibbert, Jeff Foster and Jsoh McRoberts each went into the locker room with three fouls.
Heck, how many times do you see palming and off the ball charges being called. It’s the playoffs.
Indiana point guard Darren Collison landed on the foot of a camera man on a play. He went down holding his right ankle. He re-taped the ankle and tried to go back out in the second half but was limping noticeably. His health means so much for the Pacers chances moving forward.
Since Collison went out with the injury, seven of the next 13 possessions were turnovers. In fact, Chicago went on a 19-5 run to end the second quarter and into the third.
The Bulls struggled from downtown all game, but again it was Kyle Korver three that may have sealed the deal. On multiple possessions in the final minutes, Coach Vogel opted to bring Hansbrough out with Price to double-team Rose. Thanks to quality ball movement, the ball landed in the hands of Korver in the corner who knocked it down for his only three of the game.
Pacers interim head coach started Paul George on the defensive duties of guarding Derrick Rose. That’s saying a lot for a rookie. He’s tenacity was contagious. George didn’t hit a “rookie wall” like many first-year players so often do. This kid, drafted 10th overall in the 2010 draft, has a chance to be very special for Indiana.
The intensity was there defensively. The Pacers were closing out, filing out gaps and trapping the ball aggressively. The fight was there the entire game whether it was going after the ball, diving on the floor or taking charges.
Fresh of the bench to close the third quarter, T.J. Ford hits this buzzer-beater from nearly 90 feet.
I can’t say enough about Derrick Rose. After 39 on Saturday, he finished with 36 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists Monday night. His crossover and quick step is unmatchable. I am surprised however that no other Bull has stepped up. Every game truly has been the Derrick Rose show. One possession a drive, another a three-point shot and don’t forget the step-back. He can do just about all.
It’s hard not to just laugh at TNT analyst Charles Barkley but he did make some valid points. First he acknowledged the job Larry Bird had done through the draft and acquiring solid players. In contrast with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he also argued that, “if you put LeBron James with the Pacers supporting cast, they would have a really good shot of winning it all because they’re loaded at every position.”
While reviewing a play, Bulls fans at the United Center chanted, “Pacers suck!” The same Pacers team that are under .500 yet have gone down to the wire for the second straight game with the Bulls.
It is a clear indication that the Pacers are back. The Bulls are worried. And for that, I thank Bulls fans immensely.
Go BULLS