You Like That, Indy?

I get the feeling that Derrick Rose wanted this game more than any other played so far this season. Why? He didn't take very kindly to the way the Indiana Pacers celebrated when they beat the Bulls during their last United Center meeting in January. Afterwards, he let everyone know that he and the rest of his team would be ready to play the next time around.

For a bit, that didn't look so promising. The teams went back and forth during the first half and the Pacers had the lead at halftime. Then they came out for the third quarter and all bets were off. A 33-13 scoring run by the Bulls in that quarter, consisting of shots both in and out as well as tight defense, paved the way for a 92-72 win. It was the lowest scoring output by the Pacers in five years, proving once again that this is the most smothering defense in the NBA. It was a playoff-type atmosphere in which Bulls fans did not leave disappointed.

Not surprisingly, it was Luol Deng and Derrick Rose leading the way, though neither came alive until that eventful third quarter. Deng had 20 points, Rose had 13 and each knocked down three three-pointers. Also with 13 was John Lucas III, who likely played since C.J. Watson did not dress due to the ankle injury he suffered against Philly. His minutes were probably increased with Rip Hamilton being knocked out with a shoulder injury (and that's getting ridiculous in and of itself). Even so, he kept the Bulls in it when the starters struggled to find their groove in the first half. Another example of anyone being able to step off the bench at anytime. Also off the bench, Ronnie Brewer scored 12 and Taj Gibson collected 10. On the boards, Joakim Noah grabbed 17 rebounds.

Time to make the trek up to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Bulls support promises to be plentiful. Sorry, Bucks fans, but Chicago fans travel in bunches. You should know that every time one of our baseball teams comes to your town.