Rose helps Bulls eliminate Pacers; Magic stay alive

source: Reuters.com

CHICAGO — Derrick Rose showed no effects of his injured left ankle and the Chicago Bulls pushed their way past the Indiana Pacers with a 116-89 playoff first round series-ending rout on Tuesday.

Rose, who sprained his ankle on Saturday, sprung back to action with 25 points and the top-seeded Bulls put away the Pacers in a 4-1 best-of-seven series victory. They will now meet either the Orlando Magic or Atlanta Hawks in the next round.

Chicago had battled through four close games with Indiana but ran away in Game Five. The Bulls grabbed a 30-19 third-quarter advantage that gave them an 84-65 lead heading into the fourth.

Luol Deng finished with 24 points to support Rose and Chicago held the visitors to 39 percent shooting.

Danny Granger led the way with 20 for Indiana.

Despite the loss the Pacers showed some positive signs, reaching their first post-season since 2006 under coach Frank Vogel, who took over mid-season for the fired Jim O'Brien.

Orlando stayed alive in their series on Tuesday with a 101-76 blowout of the Hawks that reduced their series deficit to 3-2.

Jason Richardson scored 17 points, in his return from a one-game suspension due to an altercation in Game Three.

Orlando is hoping to become just the ninth team to come from down 3-1 to win a best-of-seven series. Game Six is on Thursday in Atlanta.

All Star center Dwight Howard, who was averaging 32.2 points per game, managed just eight points and eight rebounds while battling foul trouble.

But J.J. Redick chipped in with 14 off the bench and the Magic made 11 three-pointers one game after shooting 2-for-23 from three-point territory.

Josh Smith had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks who trailed 58-35 at halftime and never recovered. — Reuters

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