#theReturn of Derrick Rose is Official in Head-to-Head Against Irving and Cavaliers

COLUMBUS, OH.  While the final score did not reflect the Chicago Bulls' desired outcome for their first match-up against their Eastern Conference rivals, the Cleveland Cavaliers, two facts became crystal clear Monday night.

FACT #1:  The Chicago Bulls are DEEP.

The Chicago Bulls hung in against the Cleveland Cavaliers the entire night despite missing starting shooting guard and Lebron-stopper, Jimmy Butler.

You might have noticed that Lebron looked unrushed, and in fact, wide open, on most of his jumpshots, and he finished with 18 points on 6-11 shooting. That was the Jimmy Butler effect.

But despite not having Jimmy Butler available for the game, Chicago had solid contributions from several bench players who helped chipped in quality minutes in Butler's stead.

Everyone with the exception of DRose appeared to struggle with their shot, possibly due to the game being their third in 5 nights. However, as the conditioning of the entire team improves during the course of the NBA season, it will be increasingly clear that the Chicago Bulls' depth will allow them to make it to the post-season as one of the more rested teams overall.

Among NBA teams, the Chicago Bulls boast at least 10-11 players of quality depth. Even with Jimmy Butler out, the Chicago Bulls still played 10 players, and every bench player played at least 18 minutes and scored at least 5 points as the Bulls bench outscored Cleveland's 40-20.

That is better than most teams in the NBA, and where that could be most important is against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland's Big 3 may have contributed to their team getting the win on the night, but with Lebron, Love, and Irving putting in 32 minutes, 35 minutes, and 38 and a half minutes in the contest, it will be noteworthy if the heavy minutes end up costing the Cavaliers the same way that the Miami Heat's Big 3 finally succumb to the deeper and better-rested San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

FACT #2:  Derrick Rose is definitely and officially back.

How else do you account for the easy, breezy way DRose was able to tally 30 points in just over 24 minutes on the court (aside from Kyrie Irving's matador defense)?

Rose was able to blow by his defender, get into the lane, and finish at the basket at will.

If you didn't have a chance to catch the game, here are the highlights of Derrick Rose:

And while the box score also indicates that Kyrie Irving finished with 28 point (amassed in an eye-popping 38 and a half minutes no less), the majority of his points came while Derrick Rose was on the bench resting.

In addition to being back physically, it is clear that Derrick Rose is back psychologically and emotionally.

The time with Team USA was not only useful time to compete with and against many of the best basketball players in the world, but it was also a time to put the chip back on his shoulder.

Rose has had to answer the questions from the doubters all summer long, and had to endure watching Kyrie Irving get the starting spot for Team USA, as well as, win the MVP of the FIBA World Cup tournament.

In the way DRose takes the ball right at Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, Rose is reestablishing himself as the best point guard in the NBA. And the way he had both of them turned around and crossed up, he looked like the youngest-NBA-MVP-in-history DRose.

This is going to be an amazing season for DRose and the Chicago Bulls.

What are your thoughts about the Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers preseason game? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

#BullsNation Votes #CHIvsCLE Match-Up #9: @drose vs. Kyrie Irving!

NOTE: #CHIvsCLE Match-ups are based on team role and not necessarily position.

If things play out in reality as they do on paper, the Eastern Conference will be a two horse race between the Cleveland Cavaliers and YOUR Chicago Bulls.

This was a truly eventful summer that was filled with fantasies of a Chicago starting five that would have been the best since the Michael Jordan Era. However, when the Bulls were forced to go with Plan B, they went with Plan BIG, as in bringing in two-time NBA Champion Pau Gasol and former Spanish League MVP Nikola Mirotic, as well as, NCAA Scoring Champ and the Consensus College Player of the Year Doug McDermott. If it is possible, the Chicago Bulls may find that in June, they were better off missing on Carmelo Anthony than if they had gotten him.

As for right now, there is great hope and optimism that these Chicago Bulls are something special.

#CHIvsCLE Leading Men

Despite the repatriation of Lebron James back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lebron made a point of describing the Cavs as "Kyrie's team".

While it is difficult to buy that Lebron would be overshadowed by the Cleveland Cavaliers #1 Overall Pick from the 2011, who was acquired during the summer after Lebron first left Cleveland for South Beach and the Cavs finished with the second worst overall record (19-63), Kyrie Irving is undeniably a talented point guard with play-making instincts and scoring range out to the three-point line.

In fact, it was Kyrie's all-around game that may have gotten Lebron's attention in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. Kyrie put up 31 points and 14 assists in his second NBA All-Star Game appearance, and in helping the East secure a 163-155 comeback victory over the West, he was named the All-Star Game MVP.

And if it wasn't enough that Lebron James had chosen to come play with him, one would be hard pressed to find an NBA player that has had a better summer than Irving. Kyrie had another great game performance in the Finals of the FIBA World Cup. He was named the MVP of the game as Team USA won gold.

Kyrie Irving seems to have taken advantage of the point guard spotlight being on him, in the absence of Derrick Rose, but DRose is back.

After playing 10 games in the last two plus years, Derrick Rose is back.

NBA fans who did not watch the FIBA World Cup games only heard that Rose shot poorly and split time with Kyrie Irving at the point guard spot.

Forget what you heard, and bull-ieve what you see with your own eyes. Here are highlights of what DRose looked like at the FIBA World Cup:

As a Chicago Bulls fan, if you aren't excited by how Derrick exploded back on the basketball scene during the Team USA tryouts and the flashes of brilliance during the FIBA World Cup, you are missing what the opportunity of playing with Team USA really was about.

Playing in the FIBA tournament, Rose got to knock the rust off of his game and get into NBA practice and conditioning habits with and against elite competition. While his stats were not what one would expect from the former MVP, shooting shots in practice versus shooting in the flow of the game at game speeds and conditions are two different things.

DRose has a head start on getting back into playing shape for the NBA preseason (which official starts tomorrow), as well as, the regular season to come.

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Rose came close to having Carmelo Anthony help to spread the defense for him, but in lieu of that, the Chicago Bulls added multiple offensive weapons and incredible depth to the bench at every position, including coveted rookie Doug McDermott, and prized free agent additions, Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol.

In his Media Interview, Rose has said that he is excited about playing with the talent that was added to the team during the off-season, and that this was the most talented team he has played on with the Chicago Bulls.

And while DRose did not predict another MVP Award as he did on Media Day 2010, prior to being named the youngest NBA MVP ever, he did say that this team will win the NBA Championship "very soon".

Why not this season?

So, BullsNation, who wins this match-up? Tell us who you are voting for in the comments below! And stay tuned to our Facebook Page for results and our next vote!

Pau Gasol's Domination in FIBA World Cup Could Be Springboard To MVP Season

All summer long, the hype was about Carmelo Anthony plugging into the Chicago Bulls starting line-up to form the most formidable starting five in the East, if not the entire NBA.

And while all the buzz around the Chicago Bulls' NBA Championship aspirations have gone away with Carmelo deciding to return to the New York Knicks and Lebron's choice to return to the Central Division and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Pau Gasol, with his performance so far in the FIBA World Cup, is proving that the Chicago Bulls "Plan B" stood for "Best".

So far in the FIBA World Cup, Gasol has been dominating and showing off the all around game that the Chicago Bulls coveted when they were trying to acquired him going back to his Memphis Grizzlies days. And at a fraction of the cost of Melo, the Chicago Bulls were able to sign Nikola Mirotic, another former Spanish League MVP, and still be able to add roster depth in pursuit of the NBA Championship.

Pau opened FIBA World Cup play with 33 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk vs Iran, but it was Monday's amazing performance of 26 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk vs Brazil (against the three-headed NBA center Nene, Tiago Splitter, and the Cleveland Cavalier's Anderson Varejao) that was truly impressive.

The entire Chicago Bulls organization, along with many past teammates, including Kobe Bryant, have noted Pau's intelligence as a player and as a person. However, it was his high basketball-IQ that was on display against Brazil, as he dissected the defense with surgical precision on his way to his 26 points on 11-15 shooting, including 8 of 10 inside and 3 of 5 from 3-point range.

Meanwhile, the 3 NBA players on Brazil's frontline were held to 9 of 22 ( %) shooting and 23 points COMBINED.

Spain's 82-63 victory over Brazil was a thing of beauty. Watch these highlights of Pau Gasol's performance:

Much has been made of Derrick Rose's last appearance for Team USA (in 2010), and how it fueled his play, earning him the NBA MVP that season.

Pau Gasol seems completely rejuvenated after spending a difficult season with a struggling and rebuilding Lakers squad.

With the high hopes and new opportunity in cosmopolitan Chicago, Pau's play in FIBA could prove to be his springboard to earning his first NBA MVP, and the Chicago Bulls their first NBA Championship in 17 years.

All of BullsNation can't wait for the NBA season to begin in order to see how far Pau Gasol and the rest of the Chicago Bulls can go this season and this coming post-season.

Have you been watching the FIBA World Cup? What are your thoughts on the play of new Chicago Bull Pau Gasol and how it will translate to the coming NBA season? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Derrick Rose Watch: 5 Ways The Meniscus Injury Could Have Saved His Career, Chicago Bulls? Part 1

We won't know the definitive answer to this question until the end of the season, and the Chicago Bulls are raising the NBA Championship trophy and Derrick Rose is named NBA Finals MVP after earning his second MVP during the regular season.

We know Rose was and still is capable of greatness, if his knees were as solid as his resolve to dominate the game. But has the more recent knee injury actually bought Rose the time his ACL injury needed to fully heal, and for him to evolve his game?

The Chicago Bulls organization was always going to let their franchise point guard take as long as he needed to heal, but could an NBA Championship-hungry city and a man who announced "Why can't I be MVP?" before going out and doing just that wait as patiently?

While we had to wait out another season of Championship expectations, injury, and disappointment, it must have been even harder for that man to sit and watch his team overachieve and fight so hard every night, only to have too little firepower to compete with less disciplined, less focused teams.

But with the less serious meniscus tear, Rose HAD TO sit down once again, after only 10 regular season games where he began to have issues with the left knee that had the surgically repaired Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The new injury put him out of commission, but both knees got to rest up.

And in Team USA practice, the extra rest has been showing with Rose appearing impressive and confident in both his evolved game and both of his knees. Some footage of DRose from Team USA practice can be found HERE.

Here are 5 ways that the more recent meniscus injury suffered by DRose could have saved his career and the Chicago Bulls NBA Championship hopes:

1.  More Time To Heal

#theReturn of Derrick Rose Part 1 was an impressive, albeit short chapter in the whole story that will be written this season as DRose and the Chicago Bulls renew their pursuit of the NBA Championship. DRose was able to show that he could return in a dominant way, with the Chicago Bulls playing dominantly in the 2013 preseason, but #theReturn displayed signs that the knee was not fully healed.

Despite a dominant preseason, Rose got off to a slow start in the regular season and struggled with turnovers in his first few games. His game winning shot against the Knicks in New York showed that Rose could return to his old self, but issues with the knee lurked beneath the inconsistancy with Rose constantly deflecting questions about the health of his knee amidst his struggles.

It never was revealed if Rose actually suffered lingering pain and swelling due to his surgically repaired ACL, but the injury to his other knee may have given the ACL repair more time to fully heal and, more importantly, aclimate to the stresses of training, practice, and eventually, competition. With the new injury justifying his absence from the court, both injuries would be able to have ample time to heal and be built back up to optimal health, in spite of the Championship and max contract expectations that often force players to return on others' timetable rather than based on the health of the player.

For #2 through 5, read PART 2 (Available Monday, August 4th).

Do you believe that Derrick's knees were not fully healed and rehabbed when he returned in 2013? With this added time to rehab, will DRose return to his MVP form of 2011? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

NO FEAR: Chicago Bulls Deny Pacers Central Clinching Win in Windy City

CHICAGO, IL.  It was another gutsy team effort in another season full of gutsy efforts as the Chicago Bulls welcomed their Central Division rivals, the Indiana Pacers, to the Windy City.

Taj Gibson solidified his case for Sixth Man of the Year with 23 points and 8 rebounds off the bench for the Bulls.

The Pacers came in with the best record in the Eastern Conference (51-19), and they were looking to clinch the Central Division crown with a win over the Bulls at the United Center on Monday. They would be leaving town denied and disappointed.

Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson once again lead a balanced team effort to slug out an emphatic 12 point victory at home, 89-77, over Indiana.

Taj Gibson tallied 23 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 33 minutes off the bench, another strong effort for the potential Sixth Man of the Year.

And of course, Noah had another complete all around game on both ends of the court, finishing with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. JoNo's effort has the Bulls pulling out another fearless victory over an elite team that continues to have Noah's name mentioned in the MVP discussion.

The Chicago Bulls defense was once again the story, forcing an ugly dogfight of a game between the Eastern Conference rivals. The Bulls held the Pacers to 37% shooting from the field on the night, and Joakim Noah dominated the Pacers front court to earn the Bulls the win.

How far do you think this Chicago Bulls team can go in the playoffs? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

NOAH For MVP: Making The Case For Joakim Noah as Most Valuable Player

As the heart and soul of the Chicago Bulls defense, emotional leader, and as this up-and-down season has unfolded, the outspoken vocal leader of the Bulls, Joakim Noah has, in the minds of real basketball fans, made the case that he is the most valuable player for his team.

Joakim Noah has been leading his team to the upper half of the playoff seeding and putting up numbers for Chicago that put him in very select company.

While pseudo fans and bandwagon Miami Heat fans will continue to tweet about Lebron James as if they knew the first thing about basketball, Lebron can hardly be considered an MVP this season with the other players around him and his team only second in a weak Eastern Conference.

Durant is by far the frontrunner for his incredible efforts this season. Durant leads the NBA in scoring by 4 points a game. He is currently on a streak of 34 straight games of scoring 25 or more points. And he has his team vying for the best record in the NBA and strong Western Conference despite missing running mate Russell Westbrook for the beginning of the season.

And without taking anything away from Durant, the case can be made that Joakim Noah is as essential to the Chicago Bulls being in a position to take the 3rd seed from the Toronto Raptors in a season where leading scorer and former All-Star Luol Deng was traded for cap flexability.

The Deng trade seemed to signal that the Bulls were going into rebuilding mode, but Head Coach Tom Thibodeau and Joakim Noah were adamant that "tanking" was not in the identity of this team. Noah proceeded to lead Chicago, vocally and emotionally, on a run into the playoffs and into the 4th seed in the East despite losing Deng. During the Bulls' run, Noah had a series of incredible performances running the offense, and he put up three triple-doubles in four games.

Joakim Noah's impact on the game was finally recognized on a national stage as he played all the crunch time minutes for the Eastern Conference All-Stars, powering them to the win with his defensive energy.

Joakim Noah's effect on the game became public at the 2014 NBA All-Star Game, and may even include recruiting Carmelo Anthony to Chicago.

Since the All Star break, Noah has been averaging a gaudy 13.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game (up from 11.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game before the break). The only other centers to post such averages have been Vlade Divac and former league MVP, David Robinson.

As the very definition of a team player, Noah refuses to discuss the MVP talk, saying that Derrick Rose is the Chicago Bulls MVP. He doesn't even like the MVP chants that greet him in the United Center. However, if Joakim Noah continues to go Beast-mode on the league, he will most certainly climb up MVP list in the eyes of observant NBA MVP voters.

Do you think Joakim Noah deserves the MVP accolades? Where does he stand on your MVP list? Tell us in the comments below!

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.

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Series Preview: No Other Player In The Series Is In The Same Class As Derrick Rose

CHICAGO, IL. Like it was for Jameer Nelson, this second round match-up between the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks came as a little bit of a surprise.

They could have been teammates after last summer, but now, DRose and Joe Johnson look to close each other out of this year's playoffs.

Following Derrick Rose's brilliant 39 point performance in Orlando on April 10th where Rose prevented Jameer Nelson from getting his potentially game-tying three point shot off in time, Nelson told Rose during Rose's post game interview, "See you in the Second Round."

Nelson unfortunately forgot to RSVP in time, so it will be the Atlanta Hawks, who the Orlando Magic overlooked, that will be dancing with the Bulls in Round 2.

The Bulls should not make the mistake of overlooking the Hawks, as well.

The knock against the Hawks in the past has been their focus, their commitment, and their lack of discipline. However, they are a talented team that has played together for several playoff campaigns, and they are clearly playing hard for their first year coach, Larry Drew.

Drew has already won his first playoff series as an NBA rookie head coach, a huge upset of the Orlando Magic in the first round. It is clear that there is a culture shift in the Atlanta Hawks locker room, and following the emotional series win, expect the Hawks to be a confident bunch.

The Hawks have a lot of talent on their roster, but no one in the same class as Derrick Rose, the NBA MVP leader.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls played tight in their opening round series against the Indiana Pacers. Several close games ensued against a physical Pacers team, including a loss in a game that NBA MVP leader Derrick Rose sprained his ankle and was mostly limited in his effectiveness.

Chicago broke out in Game 5 at home with a blowout victory to finally oust the Pacers. The Bulls finally played loose and free, and it may be something that the team can carry over to the next round.

After eliminating Indiana nearly a week ago, the Chicago Bulls are well rested. The effects of Derrick Rose's Game 4 ankle sprain were already minimal by Game 5, so no lingering effects are expected.

When he is healthy, Derrick Rose has been unstoppable. There is no other player in this series that can match him. Johnson has proven to be a good closer for Atlanta, but he is not in the same class as Rose and what he has done this season. If you saw what Derrick Rose did in the 3rd quarter of Game 5 against Indiana, you know everything you need to know about Derrick Rose. He is in a class by himself.

Here is how we break down the match-ups in the 2011 NBA PLAYOFFS, SECOND ROUND SERIES between THE CHICAGO BULLS vs. THE ATLANTA HAWKS

CHICAGO BULLS (62-20)	ATLANTA HAWKS (44-38)
STARTERS (Playoff Stats)	STARTERS (Playoff Stats)
PG     ROSE PPG:   27.6 RPG:   4.6 APG:   6.2 Derrick Rose has not been informed that he will be named the NBA's Most Valuable Player, however no one familiar with the NBA needs an award to know that Rose has been the best player in the world this season. Indiana did not have any player on his level, and neither does Atlanta. Advantage: Chicago	PG     HINRICH PPG:   10.2 RPG:   2.3 APG:   2.7 How much will Hinrich's "significant" right hamstring strain affect his play and availability for Atlanta? Will it even matter? Hinrich may be Atlanta's best chance of containing Rose, but no on has been able to stop Rose all year, and a less than 100% Hinrich won't stand a chance.
SG     BOGANS PPG:   5.4 RPG:   1.8 APG:   0.6 The Bulls' defensive specialist has been asked to guard some of the most talented players in the league. With Atlanta's Joe Johnson this round and the Celtics or the Heat to come in the next round, Bogans will certainly earn his paycheck if the Bulls make a deep playoff run.	SG     J. JOHNSON PPG:   18.0 RPG:   6.5 APG:   3.5 In another universe, Johnson would be DRose's running buddy and the Chicago Bulls' starting Shooting Guard, but the mammoth contract Atlanta gave to Johnson convinced him to stay in the ATL. He will duel DRose in the 4th quarter if Atlanta can keep the games close. Advantage: Atlanta
SF     DENG PPG:   18.6 RPG:   6.2 APG:   3.6 Deng has had the confidence of Coach Tom Thibodeau all season, and he was solid and steady in every big game so far. Deng will be outmatched athletically by J. Smoove, but he seems to always be able to get the job done. TIE	SF     J. SMITH PPG:   14.3 RPG:   8.2 APG:   2.3 Josh Smith is an athletic freak, a stat machine, and an amazing shot blocker. He does it all, but what has always been questioned about him and the Hawks as a team is their discipline and their heart. TIE
PF     BOOZER PPG:   10.0 RPG:   10.2 APG:   1.6 Boozer struggled to look comfortable in the Bulls first round series against the Pacers, and although the Bulls advanced easily, the Bulls need Boozer to be productive to be considered truely champion-pedigree.	PF     HORFORD PPG:   12.0 RPG:   10.2 APG:   3.7 Atlanta's only victory over the Bulls during the regular season was catalyzed by Horford's 31 points, 16 rebound performance on March 2nd. He is an explosive young player that the Bulls must game plan for. Advantage: Atlanta
C     NOAH PPG:   12.0 RPG:   10.6 APG:   1.8 Game 5 of the the Pacers series was Noah's playoff coming out party. Bulls fans saw him playing with passion, and whatever his role was in the ejection of Josh McRoberts of Indiana was masterful. Chicago will easily advance to the Eastern Conference Finals if Noah returns to his top form. Advantage: Chicago	C     COLLINS PPG:   1.3 RPG:   1.8 APG:   0.2 His ability to play Dwight Howard straight up in the first round was the key to the Hawks beating Orlando, but can Collins contain the Turkish Hammer, Omer Asik? All kidding aside, the Bulls don't have a dominating frontcourt force like Howard, yet.
BENCH The Bulls bench is one of the deepest and longest in the NBA. Gibson, Asik, Watson, and Brewer have all been extremely productive for Chicago. Kurt Thomas may be asked to start for an ailing Boozer. But the main guy off the bench in the playoffs has been Korver. He has been on automatic, shooting 58.8% from 3-point range; the Bulls will continue to feed him for clutch threes as defenses key on trying to stop Rose. Advantage: Chicago	BENCH Former Chicago Bull, Jamal Crawford, is a former 6th Man of the Year, and he was one of the most consistent players for Atlanta in their first round dispatching of Orlando. With what seems to be a rather serious injury to Kirk Hinrich, Crawford may be inserted into the starting lineup. However, the rest of the Hawks bench is inconsistant and unlikely to be a factor.
OVERALL Advantage: Chicago	OVERALL
CHICAGO BULLS Team Stats:	ATLANTA HAWKS Team Stats:
Points Per Game:     98.6 (20th in NBA)	Points Per Game:     95.0 (26th in NBA)
Rebounds Per Game:     44.2 (2nd in NBA)	Rebounds Per Game:     39.3 (28th in NBA)
Assists Per Game:     22.3 (9th in NBA)	Assists Per Game:     22.0 (12th in NBA)
Points Allowed Per Game:     91.3 (2nd in NBA)	Points Allowed Per Game:     95.8 (9th in NBA)

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Give your predictions for the Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Second Round Series:

DRose and the Bulls Are Clutch Once Again In Another Close Win Over Pacers In Game 2

CHICAGO, IL. There is some uneasiness in the city of Chicago. The top seeded Bulls have held their home court and have a 2-0 edge in the series going to Indianapolis, but it is the way the team has looked in getting the two game series lead that has fans worried.

When the Bulls grabbed the best record in the NBA on the final day of the season, there seemed to be a promise made to the fans of Chicago Bulls basketball that this team was not satisfied with just a berth in the playoffs. They were looking ahead, to the NBA Finals.

Tonight, after the 3 quarters and a 3/4 court shot made by the Pacers, the game was tied at 67 - 67. It was another frustratingly close game against an inferior opponent that the Bulls had barely beat two nights ago after trailing by double digits with under 3 minutes left in the game.

If it had not been for DRose to the rescue, the Bulls might have lost their first first round home game as the number one seed in franchise history. With another close game at home, it was of course, DRose to the rescue again.

DRose has gotten good at his Superman impression; tonight, he saved the Bulls with his 36 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.

The Bulls and Pacers traded baskets until halfway through the 4th quarter when Derrick Rose, with the ball in his hands, crossed over on Danny Granger, drove to the basket, and finished with a teardrop over both the 6'8" Granger and the 7'2" Roy Hibbert and was fouled. Rose hit the free throw to give the Bulls a 79 - 78 lead.

The Bulls defense was able to string together consecutive stops, and the Bulls scored with greater efficiency on the other end lead by who put in 9 of 11 Bulls points during a stretch when the Bulls built a narrow 4 point lead.

The scrappy Pacers would not go away easily. They kept the game tight, and went back to a defensive scheme that had forced a turnover earlier in the game, a quick trap of Derrick Rose after he crossed half court. Rose was able to center the ball to Joakim Noah, who then found Kyle Korver in the corner for a wide open 3-point shot which essentially sealed the win for Chicago.

Tyler Hansbrough and the Pacers' scrappy play have been a match for the Bulls own passion and energy in the series so far.

It was an uncharacteristically sloppy game for the Bulls, who racked up 21 turnovers for the game and missed several shots at point blank range. There is concern that the Bulls who went through much of the regular season below the radar are now succumbing to the pressure of being the top seed. With the leadership of Coach Tom Thibodeau and Derrick Rose, this is highly unlikely.

Unfortunately, the truth is that the Indiana Pacers pose a troublesome matchup for the Bulls in a number of ways, and the first two games proved this. They are scrappy and play with a lot of passion. They have big bodies to clog the lane. They are also able to extend the Bulls defense with three point shooters.

However, when it comes down to it, the Bulls have the best player on the floor (and the NBA MVP leader) in Derrick Rose, and the plays he has made in "Jordan-time" have been the difference in the Bulls' two home victories.

Here are highlights of the INDIANA PACERS vs. CHICAGO BULLS, 2011 NBA PLAYOFFS, FIRST ROUND, GAME 2:


Expect that the Bulls will be more in sync and more focused on the road in Games 2 and 3. These games will be the better test of what the Bulls will be capable of in this playoff run.

The DRose Show Receives Rave Reviews in NBA on TNT Finale at Madison Square Garden

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NYC. NBA on TNT's regular season finale was not only another meaningful game for the Chicago Bulls to tune up for a deep playoff run, but it was also another game on a national stage for DRose to once again put his special game on display for the world and try to convince the final voters that he is the most deserving of the NBA Most Valuable Player Award this season.

Rose, as he has all season, did not disappoint.

After his last nationally televised game, against the Orlando Magic last Sunday, Derrick Rose was primed and ready to have another strong game, trying to follow up the dominant 39 point performance he had against Orlando.

The New York Knicks are no joke this year. They are playoff bound, having locked up the 6th seed in the East and were riding a 7 game winning streak coming into the game. The Knicks were home to face a Chicago Bulls team that were still going all out in the hopes of getting the best record in the NBA and home-court throughout the NBA Playoffs.

They managed to hang in with the top seeded Chicago Bulls and NBA MVP leader, Derrick Rose, for the first two quarters, raining down 3-pointers at a 50% clip, and as the buzzer for the end of the second quarter sounded, the Knicks went into halftime with a 55 - 52 lead.

"For this NBA season, Derrick Rose was the best player on the planet," says NBA on TNT's Charles Barkley.

However, coming out of the locker room, the Chicago Bulls decided to flex their league best defensive muscle. The Bulls went on a 26 - 2 run to start the third quarter mostly fueled by defensive stops and opportunistic fast breaks that put pressure on the Knicks poor transition defense.

Two of the most incredible plays came in the run. The first started with an incredible block and takeaway by Carlos Boozer on a Bill Walker drive. Boozer gave up the ball to Ronnie Brewer who hit DRose with an athletic alley-oop, one-handed finish.

The second play was a great anticipation pick off of an attempted crosscourt pass by DRose, who found himself all alone and decided to give the Madison Square Garden crowd a snapshot opportunity. Rose finshed the steal with a two-handed clutch reverse dunk. The play gave the Bulls their biggest lead of the night, a 21-point cushion.

The Knicks were able to chip away at the lead with scrappy play, managing to get within 7 points at one point, but it seemed that the huge 3rd quarter stampede by Chicago effectively broke the will of Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks. The result of the game was never again truly in doubt.

Here are highlights of the CHICAGO BULLS at NEW YORK KNICKS:


At the end of NBA on TNT's broadcast, the crew, including Chris Webber, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, talked about their picks for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.

Each named "Derrick Rose" their choice for MVP, for numerous reasons, but it was Sir Charles that cut through the long explanations needed to satisfy those who only examine box scores and got straight to the point:

"For this NBA season, Derrick Rose was the best player on the planet."

Rose's Will To Win and Clutch Playmaking Carries The Bulls To Victory Over Magic

ORLANDO, FL. Another game against top competition in the East, and just another amazing performance from the NBA MVP leader, Derrick Rose.

The Orlando Magic, sitting in the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, were one of the tougher challenges heading down the stretch of this incredible regular season that the Bulls have been having this year. But as Coach of the Year contender, Tom Thibodeau, said in a recent interview, even tough challenges are surmountable with the NBA MVP leader on your team.

Rose was clutch down the stretch and carried the Bulls to the win in Orlando.

Nothing could have been more proof of this than Rose's performance in a meaningful contest in Orlando.

Rose's effort and will carried the Bulls and indicated that he was not going to let this game get away. He had 28 points in the first three quarters.

In the 4th quarter, he kicked it up to the next gear, scoring at will to keep the Bulls close. With just under 3 minutes left and the Bulls trailing 91 - 94, he wanted the ball in his hands, and he was in full attack mode. He drove to the basket and drew the foul. He stepped to the line and calmly knocked down both free throws.

After a Deng turnover on the next possession, Jason Richardson returned the favor and Taj Gibson came up with the ball; his throw ahead to a sprinting Derrick Rose for a fastbreak dunk allowed the Bulls to retake the lead. The Magic continued to fight, but these Bulls have a confidence and drive that comes from the will to win of their MVP and leader.

In the end, the Bulls knocked down their clutch free throws and Rose finished the game with gaudy statline of 39 points, 5 assists, and 1 block.

Orlando deserves a lot of credit for coming out to play, despite being firmly entrenched in the 4th seed, if only to make the statement that they should not be counted out in the Eastern Conference contenders conversation.

Orlando put forth a great effort despite also not having Dwight Howard because of suspension, but it also served to underline the amount of talent that Howard plays with in comparison to Rose. The Bulls needed every one of the 39 points that Rose put up to be able to pull of the win against the Howard-less Magic, and it has very often been case this year for the Eastern Conference-leading Chicago Bulls.

With the victory, the Bulls have won 18 of their last 20 games, and they remain in the hunt for the best overall record and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.

Also, Derrick Rose won the Hubie for Most Valuable Player, along with the respect of Hubie Brown, the ABC basketball announcer and former NBA head coach. Rose has Brown's vote for NBA MVP, and later this week, Derrick Rose should lock up the award for the NBA's Most Valuable Player because of his importance to the almost 20 game improvement in the Chicago Bulls win total since just last season.

Here are the highlights of CHICAGO BULLS at ORLANDO MAGIC:

Rose and the Bulls Demolish Celtics To Take Commanding 4 Game Lead For #1 Seed In Eastern Conference

CHICAGO, IL. It was another important game on the calendar for the Bulls, and although there were other ways of still getting the #1 seed in the East, the Bulls knew that this was also an important game to make a statement to the entire league.

After a dominating performance in front of their home fans, the Chicago Bulls definitely made their statement: "We are for real."

The Chicago Bulls are the most dominant team in the league since the All-Star Break.

Doc Rivers downplayed the meaning of the game before tip-off, acknowledging that it probably meant more to the Bulls than it did to his team, but that was clearly a ruse. Boston came into the game trailing Chicago in the race for the top seed by 3 games. A win would have cut the lead to only two games with 4 games left.

Boston seemed very interested in getting the win, coming out of the gate with energy for the opening two and a half minutes, causing the Bulls to take a 20 sec timeout early on.

However, by the end of the first quarter, the Bulls had seized control of the game for a 26 - 18 lead. Rose had 10 points for the Bulls in the opening quarter.

Boston kept close to Chicago until the 3rd quarter, when they were able to break through for a 49 - 48 lead on a Rondo lay-up. However, the Bulls defense clamped down on the Celtics and held them scoreless for the next 4:32, and over that time, the Bulls had rebuilt the lead back up to 9 points and never looked back. They went on to win by a final of 97 - 81.

It was the first meeting between the two teams since the trade that sent Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. Critics of the trade said that the Celtics had given away a great deal of rebounding and inside toughness. The stats on the night seem to support this with the Bulls outrebounding Boston 44 to 35 and the Bulls dominating inside scoring to the tune of 44 points to Boston's 22 inside points.

With the victory, the Chicago Bulls extended their lead on Boston and Miami for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference to 4 games. Their magic number for locking up the top spot is 1 game, and they can seal the deal with a win tomorrow night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Derrick Rose likewise made his own statement with another dominating performance against Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics: "When it's a big game, I dominate. I AM the NBA MVP."

DRose dominated the PG matchup going 30 pts, 8 ast, 5 reb vs Rondo 7 pts, 6 ast, 5 reb. 

Derrick Rose dominated another top point guard in the league, and his efficient 9 for 16 shooting on the way to 30 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, was the result of blowing by Rondo and attacking the basket.

In addition, Rose once again had another great game for the Bulls in another important game. When the spotlight shines, Rose has been the star that has been the brightest. Rose led the team with an incredibly efficient game, and the complete domination of the Boston Celtics showed on the faces of Garnett, Pierce, and Big Baby. Garnett admitted to the "ass-whoopin" they had just received.

To all the sports writers and basketball statistics gurus out there who can't seem to wrap their head around it, there is only one statistic that matters in the MVP race, and that is WINS.

The Bulls have the most WINS since the All-Star Break. They have the most WINS in a stacked Eastern Conference. And Rose is the only 2011 All-Star on his team.

And the fact that Miami has two "MVP candidates" and three 2011 All-Stars AND less wins than the Bulls means that each of their "MVPs" is less than half as important as Rose is to the Chicago Bulls.

And if you really think that Lebron James should win the MVP because he can stuff the stat box against the Cavs and the Timberwolves even though, when the chips are down, he can't lead his team to a WIN when the ball is in his hands, then I don't know what to tell you.

I just know that I wouldn't really need a player like that very much, and I think that the Chicago Bulls would agree with me.

Here are some highlights from BOSTON CELTICS at CHICAGO BULLS: