Bulls Fall in First Game without Rose: 76ers’ Holiday Dominates
Pundits across the nation and Chicago fans declared the Bulls’ season finished following Saturday’s crushing blow. In the hours since Derrick Rose crumpled to the floor in the final 90 seconds of Chicago’s Game 1 victory over the 76ers, his presence in the game and Tom Thibodeau’s decision-making have been dissected one million ways. Kyle Korver has tried to lead the inspirational charge, but that’s been little consolation.
Rose watched Tuesday’s action from a luxury suite after handing over the game ball. The Bulls missed their leader and the league’s reigning MVP. They had no answer for Philly’s balanced attack and had no flow offensively.
Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams combined for 49 points on 19-of-28 shooting, and rookie Evan Turner added 19 points. Overall, six Sixers scored in double digits, and Philadelphia shot 59% overall to frustrate Thibodeau’s normally stout defense. Philadelphia also out-rebounded the Bulls by a 38-32 margin.
Joakim Noah (10-of-11 shooting and 21 points) and John Lucas (15 points on 7-of-12 shooting) were the lone offensive stars for the Bulls. The aforementioned Kyle Korver took only four shots (2-of-4), all of which came from three-point range. The rest of Chicago’s starting lineup (C.J. Watson, Luol Deng, Richard Jefferson and Carlos Boozer) shot a combined 15-for-43.
Game 3 is set for Friday in Philadelphia.
