Bulls-Pacers: Salmons Leads Red-Hot Chicago Past Indiana

I feel a bit foolish for comparing these two, but has any player in all of professional sports had as big an impact on their new team at the trading deadline as John Salmons has for the Chicago Bulls? 

"The best trade of the year," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said.

Obviously, the first name that comes to mind is the new "Great One", Manny Ramirez of the Los Angeles Dodgers. John Salmons, however, is making a case not only for the NBA's Most Improved Player, he is arguably the most valuable player on the entire Chicago Bulls team.

After blowing a ten-point lead in the fourth quarter, and his team trailing 102-99, Salmons hit two three-pointers, on consecutive possessions, to give the Bulls a 105-102 edge.

Chicago never looked back.

Salmons finished the game with 22 points, but none more important than those two shots that sealed the victory in an up and down game.

"They don't come easy," Salmons said.

A strong 18-point first quarter from Indiana guard Brandon Rush gave the Pacers an early lead, and he finished with a career high 29 points.

The star of the day for the Pacers was, guess who, Danny Granger. 

Granger led the Pacers with 32 points, but his efforts fell far too short.

Ben Gordon was the high scorer for Chicago, scoring 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Gordon's huge 13-point second quarter helped the Bulls erase a large first quarter deficit.

"It's a lot of fun being out there with other guys who are making big plays and are taking tough shots," said Gordon.

Not to be outdone by Gordon was rookie point guard Derrick Rose, who had 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Along with the key play of Rose and Salmons has been the play of Chicago's big men, led by Tyrus Thomas. 

Thomas had a career high seven blocks, to go along with 18 points and eight boards. Brad Miller chipped in 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block for Chicago, and starting center Joakim Noah added eight points and seven rebounds.

The Bulls have really gotten it done at home lately, and have won seven of their last eight games.

Chicago has no time to soak in the glory of their recent play. They will be traveling North to Toronto, to face off against Chris Bosh and the Raptors tomorrow at 2:30 CST (WGN).

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?