DRose Proves Once Again That He Is The MVP, Sparks Run To Carry Bulls Past Pacers and On To Second Round

CHICAGO, IL. When Derrick Rose picked up his fourth personal foul with 9:03 left in the 3rd quarter of Game 5 and had to go to the bench, the hometown crowd at the United Center was concerned.

And when the Pacers proceeded to go on a run to cut the 11 point Bulls lead down to 4 in just 2 minutes and 47 seconds, not only was the UC crowd concerned, but so was Bulls Coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau made the first of what will be many decisive moves during this championship run for the Chicago Bulls. With the game hanging in the balance and his superstar begging to get back in the game, he decided to bring Derrick Rose back into the game with 4 fouls.

If only every gamble were as certain as gambling on Derrick Rose to come through.

DRose seemed unhampered by the sprained ankle he suffered in Game 4, but ending the series in Game 5 gives Rose and the Bulls time to rest and prepare for their second round opponent.

Rose, once again proving his case for NBA Most Valuable Player, was the spark to regain momentum and ignite a 23 - 8 Bulls run to close out the 3rd quarter.

After reentering the game, Rose found Taj Gibson for an open jumper. On the next trip, DRose called his own number and stepped into a huge 3-pointer to push the lead up to nine.

Then on the most pivotal play of the game, Rose anticipated Roy Hibbert's post move, came over, and blocked the 7' 2" Hibbert's dunk attempt at the rim. The defensive play electrified the United Center crowd and reestablished the Bulls momentum in the game.

DRose's block on the 7' 2" Roy Hibbert helped the Bulls regain momentum in the series clincher.

During the Bulls 3rd quarter, Rose would hit two more 3-pointers and was 3 for 4 from the arc in the quarter. After reentering the game with 4 fouls, Rose put up 10 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.

By the time Rose picked up his 5th foul early in the 4th quarter, the Bulls now had the momentum, an excited home crowd, and a commanding 19 point lead. Derrick Rose sat down again and was able to rest for the rest of the evening as the Bulls' "Bench Mob" was able to build on the large lead.

It was a wonderful night for all Chicago Bulls fans and for the team; the team appeared to be playing much looser and with a great deal more confidence than the first 4 games in the series. They may have gotten over their playoff nerves and found their playoff confidence. The fans were treated to the great total team effort that has earned the team its championship expectations.

Here are highlights of INDIANA PACERS vs. CHICAGO BULLS, 2011 NBA PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND GAME 5:


Now, the Chicago Bulls await the victors of the Orlando Magic/ Atlanta Hawks playoff series, and the Bulls are scheduled to host Game 1 on Monday, May 2nd.