Boozer stars as Bulls crush Pacers to make it six in a row
The Chicago Bulls trounced the Indiana Pacers on their way to a sixth consecutive victory 92-73 at the United Center in Chicago.
Carlos Boozer marked his return to the Bulls team with a game-high 22 points and 18 rebounds. Derrick
Rose chipped in with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Luol Deng scored 15 points and nine boards in the Bull’s three-game home stand.
Brandon Rush and T.J. Ford netted a team-high 13 points apiece in the victory over the Pacers. Mike Dunleavy also joined them in double figures with 12 points.
The Game
The Bulls raced to a 17-point lead early in the first quarter. Later on the visiting Pacers cut the deficit by eight, but the Bulls continued to build
their lead steadily, taking a 27-18 lead into the second. Boozer led the Bulls scoring in the opening period with eight points.
In the second quarter, Chicago found their rhythm offensively. Rose scored 12 points in the first half, as the Chicago Bulls lead the Pacers 43 – 41 at half time.
The third quarter saw Chicago extend their lead further, eventually capping out at 22 points, and limiting the Pacers to just 17.
After the first half, the Bulls controlled the boards with a 29-14 advantage after the half. Despite
the win, the Bulls have to do a better job of making free throws. They were 10-for-20 from the line.
Chicago led the game 65-58 after three quarters, led by Boozer's 16 points and 14 rebounds. Rose returned
after a time-out and made one of two free throws, putting Chicago ahead by 85-71. Rose was finally able to able to finish the game successfully.
The Pacers came into the game without leading scorer Danny Granger due to an ankle injury. He will get a couple more days to rest before a possible return against the
Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
The Pacers 73 points in this match is a season-low for Indiana, while on the other hand it was the third straight game where Chicago held their opponent to a season-worst
total.
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