Derrick Rose-Less Chicago Bulls own the third quarter to trump Boston Celtics – NBA Recap
Luol Deng has been the go to man for the Chicago Bulls in the absence of Derrick Rose and on Thursday, the forward led the Bulls to victory over the Boston Celtics at the United Centre in Chicago.
The Bulls were playing without Rose for the 12th game in a row, but all starters chipped in to defeat Boston 93-86. Deng finished the night with 26 points and went 8 of 8 from the free throw line.
This fixture was one of the most anticipated and talked about in recent days. The Chicago Bulls were coming into this game with back to back losses, their first in the season. The Celtics, on the other hand, were 7-2 in their last
10 coming into the match, and seemed to be on a hot streak since All Star Weekend. Both teams had much to prove, Chicago that they could win without Derrick Rose, and Boston that they are true contenders in the Playoffs.
Rose was a game time decision but did not play the game. Boston took the lead early in the 1st quarter and held on to it till the end. They led by as many as 8 points late but Chicago ended the quarter 4-0 as Boston
committed two fouls and missed 4 straight shots to close the period leading 22-18.
Chicago came within 2 of the Celtics early and then midway in the 2nd but 5 consecutive points by Brandon Bass, followed by a 8-0 run by the Celtics had them leading at 49-36. Chicago cut into the lead in the final 10
seconds to finish the first half trailing Boston 38-49.
Chicago seemed to be having trouble finding their offensive mojo till the break, but they came charging in the 3rd quarter to lead 61-58 with 03:42 remaining in the period after back-to-back 3 point shots from C.J Watson.
Boston tried to pull back in the passage that followed but Deng’s pair of free throws in the final seconds had Chicago leading 67-66 going into the final quarter. The Bulls outscored Boston 29-17 in the third period.
Boston tried to come back into the game but Chicago held on to their lead. Kyle Korver sunk a 3 pointer, followed by a layup and 2 consecutive jump shots by Luol Deng, gave Chicago a definitive 87-79 lead with 03:11 left in the
game. Ray Allen brought Boston with 5 with a jump shot left but the Bulls forced a turnover from Rondo and then forced him to take a 3 point shot, which he missed.
The Bulls went on the win 93-86. This game was expected to be a low scoring one with both teams very hard on defense. The Bulls and Celtics did not disappoint and it was a battle of defensive capabilities. Luol Deng had 26 points
for the night and Carlos Boozer grabbed 14 rebounds and netted 12. Joakim Noah also chipped in 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for the Bulls.
Boston scoring was led by Paul Pierce who had 22 points and 4 assists for the night. Brandon Bass had 15 points and Kevin Garnett chipped in with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Rajon Rondo could only manage 10 but dished out 12 assists.
It was a defensive battle throughout the game with Chicago holding Boston to 42.9% from the field and in turn, Boston held Chicago to 41.2%. Chicago had 44 rebounds to Boston’s 36. Both teams scored a combined 62 points from within
the paint.
Chicago must have gained some much needed confidence with this win and now play New York Knicks next, in which Derrick Rose is all set to finally return. They have gone 8-4 now since his injury and possibly, passed the most difficult
stretch of the season.
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