Derrick Rose Scores 34 Points To Carry The Bulls At Home Against The Atlanta Hawks

CHICAGO, IL. Through halftime, it looked like it would be another nail-biter against an Atlanta Hawks team that had won the last meeting between these two team in Atlanta, but a 24 - 10 third quarter changed the complexion of the game behind 18 points from the Chicago Bulls' NBA MVP leader Derrick Rose.

Here are some game highlights:


In recent days, following the what is being called "The Crying Game", Chicago's comeback win against the Miami Heat on March 6th after which there were accounts of Heat players crying over the loss, the Bulls have gone from dark horse contender to virtual front-runner.

Derrick Rose and the Bulls, in their usual humble tone, haven't bought into the new hype. Their manner is still one of taking care of business, and with games against the Miami Heat in the rear view mirror (the Bulls swept the regular season series), the Bulls' new order of business is chasing down the Boston Celtics for the best record and home court advantage in the East.

Tonight's game against the Atlanta Hawks were another test. Against their talent and playoff experience, Derrick Rose, after getting off to a slow start, was "assertive" in the third quarter to the tune of 18 points.

DRose was unstoppable in the 3rd quarter, putting up 18 points in the period on fearless drives to the basket

Combined with a great defensive team effort, the Bulls held the Hawks to 10 points in the quarter and built a 12 point lead going into the fourth quarter. They cruised to an easy 94 - 76 victory.

In the fourth quarter garbage time, you can really see the team comradery that the Chicago Bulls have developed between their players. The starters on the bench stood and cheered the efforts of the bench players that rarely see NBA game minutes.

They celebrated three point baskets from Brian Scalabrine and free agent signing, Rasual Butler, who was making his debut in a Bulls uniform, to the delight of the United Center home crowd, which included Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, two key contibuters to the 1991-93 Chicago Bulls NBA Championship teams who will be honored on Saturday.

Combined with a Boston loss to the Philadelphia 76ers tonight, the Chicago Bulls are now only a half game behind Boston for home court in the Eastern Conference.