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There is no doubt that the entire NBA holds its breath when Derrick Rose takes the court. Every minute, possession and movement is an opportunity for the point guard to suffer yet another knee injury. For the Chicago Bulls, they have no choice but to risk it all and play their best cards even if it may be the last game for the franchise player.
The late-season knee injury was no confidence booster for Rose or the Bulls, but his quick recovery and performance in round one versus the Milwaukee Bucks brought hope. A round two matchup against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers would really put them to the test. Fast forward, and it is not too much of a leap to say that Chicago is the favorite to represent the East in the Finals.
Led by a three-headed monster in Pau Gasol, Jimmy Butler and Rose, the Bulls controlled Game 1 from the start. Chicago’s “Big 3” combined for 66 points, 20 rebounds and 14 assists in the 99-92 victory. What made the win all the more impressive is how the Bulls thwarted every Cavs’ run with one of their own. Just as Cleveland cut the lead to within five, Chicago turned the tables in a blink of an eye.
It didn’t help the Cavaliers that their bench provided very little production and the team shot a lousy 42 percent, but credit must be given to the Bulls. Their record-setting victory to close out round one was no fluke. They will remain favorites in the East as long as Rose is healthy, and he is beginning to look like the player who won the MVP. James and Cleveland are in trouble.
Shane Phillips is a Miami Heat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
