Central Showdown

The top two teams in the Central Division battle it out for first place

By Doug Knopf

On Monday night, the Chicago Bulls (29-19) took on the Indiana Pacers (29-19) in a game that would be a defining moment, with both teams trying to prove themselves against the other. With Derrick Rose and Danny Granger out, each team’s best player, it has been a struggle for them to stay competitive. With the division on the line, it was sure to be a good game.

AP Photo/ Tom Strattman

Before Monday night’s game, the Pacers trailed the Bulls by one game in the division and Nets by half a game for a home court spot in the playoffs. The Bulls were looking to extend their lead against a surging Indiana squad who had just beaten Miami. This would allow the Bulls to have more comfort room for when, if ever, Rose comes back

Chicago won the first and fourth quarter while Indiana took the second and third, ultimately ending at a final of 111-101 in favor of Indiana. Each team attacked the other differently.

Indiana, being a very defensive-minded team, forced the Bulls to spread the ball around and made non-shooters try to become playmakers. The Pacers did this well. Chicago had six players in double figures, with no starter having more than 20 points. Marco Belinelli, the second man off the bench, led the way for the Bulls with 24 points. Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng, the team’s notorious scorers, accumulated a total of 23 points and combined, made eight field goals. Overall, Indiana executed their game plan quite successfully.

In contrast, Indiana’s stars led the way. Paul George played for 44 minutes, and finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Pacers’ inside phenom, David West, led the team with 29 points, as well as 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. George Hill also quietly collected 22 points, only missing three shots the entire game. After beating Miami a few days earlier, the Pacers would not let anyone stop them. Additionally, Danny Granger might be back before the all-star break…look out Eastern Conference.

This game was very significant in many ways.

1) It showed that Chicago really needs Derrick Rose back before they lose ground.

2) The Pacers are hot and with their physical style of play, when they get going offensively, they cannot just hang with anyone, they can beat them too.

3) Coaching: When a team loses its best player, a coach’s true colors emerge. The Bulls and the Pacers clearly have some of the best coaches in the league because they have been able to overcome their adversity with flying colors.