Sixers vs. Bulls: Game 5 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

It wasn’t pretty, but somehow the Chicago Bulls were able to survive the Philadelphia 76ers 77-69 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The 76ers now own a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

In an elimination game at home, the Bulls defense ended up being the big difference in one of the uglier games in recent playoff memory. The Chicago crowd witnessed plenty of bricks as Philly shot 32 percent from the floor (25-of-78).

The 76ers scored a grand total of 10 points in the second quarter. It was a testament to the relentlessness of the Bulls defense, but also to the inability of the 76ers to get any sort of open looks. In the period, they were 4-of-23 from the floor.

Chicago's bigs had their way, pouring in 36 points in the paint compared to only 23 for the 76ers. The Bulls were clearly the more aggressive team.

Without MVP Derrick Rose and leading rebounder Joakim Noah, the Bulls were still able to find a way. Now the 76ers must win Game 6 to ensure they aren’t back at the United Center for a Game 7.

Video Highlights

This compacted two-minute highlight clip shows you shots that were actually made in the first half, but make no mistake about it…this was a brick-fest.

With 2:25 remaining in the second quarter, a scrum broke out when Taj Gibson and Elton Brand dove for a loose ball and ended up throwing elbows at each other. Neither player was ejected from the game, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see both players get suspended from Game 6.

Twitter Reaction

The ineptitude of the 76ers in the first half was one for the ages. The 26 first-half points is put into perspective by ESPN Stats & Info:

"

76ers held to 26 1st-half points by Bulls, lowest in a playoff game since Hawks also scored 26 in 1st half vs Celtics on May 4, 2008.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 9, 2012"

With multiple shots of Scottie Pippen by the NBATV broadcast crew, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News and I had the same exact question to pose:

"

When did Scottie Pippen turn into Chicago's version of Spike Lee?

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) May 9, 2012"

This hasn’t been the greatest series for Luol Deng, but he was the Game 5 MVP. K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reminds us:

"

Luol Deng took a lot of heat the last couple of days. Pretty clutch performance while injured. #Bulls

— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 9, 2012"

Taj Gibson got in a scuffle, suffered a severe ankle injury and was still able to finish out the game. That gets you major props in ESPN’s Michael Wilbon’s book. The Chicago native believes he may be the key to pulling off the comeback in the series:

"

Amazing effort by Taj Gibson in Chicago tonight...if only he and Noah can be 90 percent for a Game 6, if the Bulls can hold on and win Game5

— Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) May 9, 2012"

Grades for Key 76ers Players

Jrue Holiday: D+

The main culprit for Philadelphia’s offensive woes, Holiday couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. But that didn’t stop the young point guard from hoisting. He ended up scoring 16 points by shooting a horrific 5-of-17 from the field.

He avoids the dreaded “F” because he did fill up the stat sheet in other categories (five rebounds, four assists, three steals, two blocks).

Andre Iguodala: F

Iggy was another prime example of the horrific 76er shooting on the night. He missed multiple open looks and seemed far too timid on the break. He finished with 11 points (4-of-19), four rebounds and one assist. Brick city for Iggy.

He was certainly the dud of the game.

Grades for Key Bulls Players

Luol Deng: A

This is Deng’s team now, and he was up for the challenge on this night.

He was the leading scorer of the game with 24 points, and also grabbed eight rebounds while registering two steals and two blocks as well.

Deng has always been one of the vocal leaders of this team, and it was on full display here versus Philly. Considering he is playing with a torn ligament in his wrist, it was a spectacular performance.

Carlos Boozer: B

I don’t know how he hits those contested 16-footers while fading away, but somehow the shot was dropping consistently on Tuesday night.

He finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and six assists while shooting 9-of-20 from the field. He stepped up in a big way offensively for Chicago.

His rebounding was outstanding without Noah around as well.

Deciding Factor: Defensive Intensity

It was clear that one team came out knowing they had to win the game. The Bulls had much better intensity, fought harder for loose balls and seemed more focused.

It was an effort you would expect from a young 76ers team that isn’t used to closing out a playoff series on the road.

Game MVP: Luol Deng

He hit the dagger to put the Bulls up 12 with under two minutes remaining, capping off a spectacular all-around performance.

The game’s leading scorer did everything for the winning team, including playing razor-sharp defense on the 76ers' perimeter gunners. There’s not a part of his game you could criticize on Tuesday night.

What’s Next

The Bulls stave off elimination for one night, and cross their fingers that Noah is ready to go in Game 6.

As for the Sixers, this was their first chance to close a team out and they failed miserably. While Philadelphia still has two more opportunities to get the job done, you can’t take many positives away from this game.

Chalk it up as a learning experience.

Follow Eric Ball on Twitter.