Sixers vs. Bulls: Highlights, Grades and Reaction to Game 1

What started off as a promising start to the playoffs for the Chicago Bulls turned into a nightmare with just over a minute remaining in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

Driving to the hoop in the closing minutes, Derrick Rose appeared to injure his left knee. While the Bulls beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 103-91, they have far graver concerns now.  

The victory in Game 1 won't mean anything if Rose's injury is serious.

Tweets of the Night

Bleacher Report's own Gabe Zaldivar was looking for a little more action on Saturday:

"

Bulls have a boring lead, the NFL draft is in the 5th round. Where are Saturday morning cartoons when I need them?

— Gabe Zaldivar (@gabezal) April 28, 2012"

Dan Cahill of the Chicago Sun-Times joked:

"

3 greatest basketball players to wear hair in a bun: 3. Scot Pollard 2. Candace Parker 1. Joakim Noah #Bulls

— Dan Cahill (@dancahill_cst) April 28, 2012"

Condescending Wonka was, well, condescending as usual:

"

Oh, 76ers fans are worried about losing today? It's ok, even if they lose, they still live in a wonderful city like Philadelphia.

— Condescending Wonka (@SportWonka) April 28, 2012"

Jeff Mangurten, Bulls radio producer for NBA.com, tweeted:

"

The Bulls averaged 41 first half points vs the 76ers in the 3 reg season meetings (high 44), they scored 53 in the first half today.

— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) April 28, 2012"

Michael Smith of ESPN summed up what has been a difficult campaign for Rose:

"

Nightmare doesn't begin to describe Derrick Rose's season.

— Michael Smith (@undecided) April 28, 2012"

Must-See Highlights

Joakim Noah unleashed his inner animal in the first quarter, slamming it home over the defense and causing Reggie Miller to exclaim, "Oh my goodness!"

And when the 76ers were just trying to get out of the building with some semblance of confidence in the fourth quarter, Rose hit a dagger from long range to beat the shot clock.

Grades for 76ers

Elton Brand: A

Elton Brand may be aging, but he didn't show any signs of it on Saturday. He was a scoring machine who thoroughly outplayed Carlos Boozer at the power forward spot. Brand had 19 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.

Jrue Holiday: C- 

Jrue Holiday had a forgettable Game 1 performance, turning the ball over with regularity, failing to spread the ball around a lot and shooting at a low percentage. Holiday finished with 16 points, seven boards and two assists.

Andre Iguodala: C-

Andre Iguodala just didn't get it done on the offensive side of the floor, but he at least spread the ball around and rebounded well. Nonetheless, the Sixers needed his scoring on Saturday. Iguodala shot 3-of-11 from the floor, finishing with just 11 points.

Grades for Bulls

Derrick Rose: A

Derrick Rose played a marvelous game before getting injured in Game 1, contributing across the board, including on the defensive end. He finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. He added a steal and a block.

Richard Hamilton: A

Richard Hamilton may be older and not as athletic as he used to be, but he can still score the basketball. He gave the Bulls what they were lacking last postseason: a threat at shooting guard. Hamilton went 6-of-7 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, finishing with 19 points.

Joakim Noah: A 

Joakim Noah did what he always does: play solid defense, block shots and crash the glass. He'll be an integral part of the Bulls moving forward in the playoffs. His interior post defense is vital. Noah posted 12 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. 

Deciding Factor: Shooting

Sometimes all it really comes down to is who shoots better. The Bulls came out red-hot from the beginning. The 76ers never got it going, shooting under 40 percent for the game. You can't do that on somebody's home court. It will end in disaster.

Game MVP: Derrick Rose

We really shouldn't have expected anyone else. This was last season's MVP, after all. Rose was a leader as usual, scoring, rebounding and spreading the ball around. It goes without saying that he's vital to the Bulls this postseason.

What's Next?

The Bulls host the 76ers in Game 2 on Tuesday. 

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