Chicago vs. Minnesota: Carlos Boozer Bounces Back as Bulls Tame T-Wolves
Shortly before tonight's game, Derrick Rose got a surprise MVP endorsement from reigning two-time winner LeBron James. Maybe Rose didn't want to disappoint the "King," but more likely he just wanted to wash the taste of the last game out of his mouth.
Either way, the Minnesota Timberwolves were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Bulls dominated the T-Wolves to a 108-91 tune, and for the first time in three games, the Bulls came out strong, scored first and never looked back. By the end of the first quarter, Chicago was already up by 11.
After that it wasn't much of a contest, and the only thing in doubt was whether there would be a "1" or a "2" in front of the second number in the Bulls' margin of victory.
Rose had an efficient game, scoring 23 points on 14 shots—two of which were half-court heaves to beat the buzzer at the end of quarters.
Rose added 10 assists and four rebounds, while playing only three quarters. He was also 9-9 from the stripe and 4-9 from three-point range.
A positive to come out of the game Carlos Boozer. He had his best game in a while, scoring 24 points, grabbing 14 boards and adding four assists.
Boozer also showed a little more lift and got to the rim more often than he has lately.
Luol Deng was back to his "glue-all" ways, scoring 13 points and adding five rebounds and five assists. He also only played 36:05, and it was good to see him get some rest in the fourth quarter.
C.J. Watson had a nice game, scoring 13 points and tallying four assists in just 17 minutes of play. He did have a couple of careless turnovers, though.
As a team, the Bulls were outstanding across the board. They shot .506 from the field and .900 from the stripe, and out-rebounded the T-Wolves, 50-34.
On a bizarre note, Taj Gibson made a basket for Minnesota, accidentally tipping the ball in going for a rebound against Kevin Love.
With just eight games left in the season, it's looking more and more like Chicago will clinch the Eastern Conference's top seed. They only play two more teams with winning records: Boston and Orlando.
If the Bulls beat Boston next Thursday and win any five other games, they clinch over the Celtics.
If the Bulls drop the game to Boston, they could still clinch by winning their other seven. In addition to the Bulls, Boston still must face San Antonio tomorrow night plus Atlanta, Philadelphia and Atlanta again.
If the Bulls win just five more games, it doesn't matter what the Heat do; Chicago clinches over Miami.
In other words, bring on the Pacers!
You know Derrick Rose is chomping at the bit for revenge.
