NBA Playoffs - Chicago Bulls Surprise Celtics at the Garden

By Ally White

The Chicago Bulls, which are currently in the sixth place of the Eastern Conference, surprised everyone defeating the current NBA champions and second-seeded Boston Celtics in overtime 105-103. This first game of the playoffs was a tough battle for both teams but the Bulls achieved to take advantage of any chances they had and any mistakes the Celtics’ made to get the victory. The Bulls owe this win to their young superstar point guard Derrick Rose, who had an incredible night, scoring a career-high of 36 points and equaled Kareem Abdul- Jabbar’s 1970’s record of most points scored by a player in his playoff debut.

During the first quarter both teams were on control of the actions. Boston had a small lead of 5 points when there was 2:03 minutes left, but the Bulls didn’t let the score go away from their hands and the quarter finished 28-28. In the second quarter things started in a similar fashion during the first five minutes of play, but after a timeout, the Bulls returned aggressive and with great defense and offense, got a lead of 9 points at halftime with a score 53-44.

With a good performance of Rondo on the third quarter, the Celtics came back and cut the lead of Chicago, tying the game with 7 seconds to go to 70-70. During that quarter Rose scored 10 points, but that wasn’t enough since the Celtics remained very close in the score. In the fourth quarter, the game followed in the same pace and when there were only 2 seconds left and the Bulls were leading for just one point (97-96); Paul Pierce was fouled by Noah. It seemed as Pierce had the victory on his hand but he missed one of the free throws and tied the game 97-97. The game went to overtime and both teams kept fighting until the end, but a great shot from Thomas with less than a minute left put the Bulls up 105-103. After that, Boston desperately tried to score; Ray Allen attempted a shot in the last second of the game, but missed, giving the victory to Chicago.

After the game, the Bulls’ player Ben Gordon stated that he was impressed with Derrick Rose’s performance and the way he handle the pressure as a freshman point guard during the whole game.

“Somebody asked me before about him having playoff experience and I said he doesn't need it. He's poised beyond his years. He already carries himself like a veteran out there. He had a phenomenal game to say the least," said Gordon.

The best scorers for the Chicago Bulls were Derrick Rose with 36 points and 11 assists, Ben Gordon with 20 points and 5 assists, Tyrus Thomas with 16 points and 6 rebounds, John Salmons with 12 points and 6 rebounds, and finally Joakim Noah with 11 points and 17 rebounds. For the Celtics the contributors were Rajon Rondo with 29 points, 7 assists and 9 rebounds, Paul Pierce with 23 points and 7 rebounds, Glen Davis with 18 points and 3 rebounds and to conclude Kendrick Perkins 14 points and 8 rebounds.

The second game of this series between the Celtics and the Bulls will be this April 20th at Boston.

About the Author

Ally White is a top senior copy writer on NBA games and sports action for the online sports betting: http://www.instantactionsports.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.