Derrick Rose Accepts The NBA MVP Award, Leads Bulls to Victory In Game 2 Over Hawks

CHICAGO, IL. Before Game 2 of the Chicago Bulls second round series with the Atlanta Hawks, Derrick Rose received the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award in front of the hometown United Center crowd.

Derrick Rose received his NBA's Most Valuable Player Award, then showed the world what it means to be a leader and MVP.

In his acceptance, he was his usual humble and gracious self, focusing the credit for his accomplishments on the city of Chicago and the Bulls fans who supported the team. However, it was really the inner drive of a man who told the press before the season even started, "Why not me?"

Derrick Rose and his teammates started their efforts as soon as Tom Thibodeau was named the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls, and they have worked harder than any team the entire season. The rewards have simply followed.

On the final day of the NBA season, the Bulls secured the best record in the league, even after they had already secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference over Boston and Miami.

Then, Coach Tom Thibodeau, after amassing a record-tying 62 wins by a rookie head coach, was named Coach of the Year.

And tonight, Derrick Rose hoisted the Maurice Podoloff trophy for being the NBA's Most Valuable Player, after shouldering the load offensively for the winningest team in the NBA this season.

However, as the youngest NBA MVP in history, Rose is under even greater pressure now in the playoffs. Having lost to Atlanta in Game 1, Game 2 at the United Center was a must win in many respects, and having collected his trophy, DRose knew that winning the game would be a burden carried upon his shoulders.

And as he has all season, he was up to the challenge. The Bulls had not lost back to back home games during the season, and their streak continued with a 13 point victory in Game 2.

Rose, on a recently reinjured sprained left ankle, put up 25 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 blocks to lead the Bulls to the bounce-back victory in Game 2.

Joakim Noah looks to be back on track after ending the first round series against Indiana with a great effort. He came up with 7 offensive rebounds against the Hawks in Game 2 on his way to a 19 point, 14 rebound night where he consistantly outworked Atlanta's frontline. His energy and effort would go a long way towards propelling Chicago into the Eastern Conference Finals.

Here are the highlights of THE CHICAGO BULLS vs. ATLANTA HAWKS, 2011 NBA PLAYOFFS, GAME 2:



KEYS FOR CHICAGO BULLS vs. ATLANTA HAWKS, 2011 NBA PLAYOFFS, GAME 3:

Key #1	Rebounding Edge. In Chicago's Game 1 loss, Atlanta was able to match Chicago in rebounding. In Chicago's Game 2 win, Chicago outrebounded Atlanta, 58 to 39, and Joakim Noah really capitalized with 7 offensive boards and several put backs. If the Bulls can maintain the rebounding edge through good technique and effort, they will have an abundance of additional offensive possessions.
Key #2	Continue to Keep Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford in Check. In Chicago's Game 1 loss, Joe Johnson exploded for 34 points and Jamal Crawford had 22 points off the bench when both had great shooting nights. In Game 2, Chicago limited Johnson to 16 points and Crawford was held to 11 points on 2 of 10 shooting on their way to an easy 13 point win. Although good shooters like Johnson and Crawford may catch fire again, a concerted Bulls' effort to contest shots will swing the odds in the Bulls' favor.
Key #3	Establish an Inside Presence. Although Chicago has had an edge in Points in the Paint in both games, the Bulls must continue to work to establish their inside game. In Chicago's Game 2 win, Chicago seemed to work to establish Boozer inside, however with injuries continuing to hamper his lift, he had several shots blocked. Chicago should not go away from trying to establish their presence inside.

Stay tuned to see the Chicago Bulls wrestle back a win or two in Atlanta.