Rose, Butler push Bulls past Bucks in Game 1
Derrick Rose is back in the playoffs and he picked up right where he left off.
Rose scored 23 points in a spectacular 27-minute outing as the Chicago Bulls downed the very green Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday 103-91 in Game 1. It was Rose's first playoff game since April 28, 2012.
Not only has Rose shown his explosiveness, he's been knocking down 3s in this second half. Look out if he keeps that up.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 19, 2015
Rose's backcourt partner Jimmy Butler was also solid, chipping in with a game-high 25 points.
With Rose and Butler handling the offense, the remainder of the legwork was done by Chicago's defense. Anchored by Butler on the perimeter and Joakim Noah on the inside, Milwaukee was held to 39.3 percent shooting from the field and 4-of-16 from deep.
Turning Point
The Bulls were pretty content to trade punches with the Bucks through the first 15 minutes, before they revved up the pressure against the inexperienced Bucks.
The combination of Butler and Rose went on a 9-0 run midway through the second quarter, which turned a one-point deficit into an eight-point lead. The run included an emphatic two-handed dunk by Rose.
Star Performer
Rose will rightfully garner the headlines for his strong showing in his return, but Butler was the better two-way player. Butler routinely got to the rim on drives and played air-tight defense against both Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who shot a combined 11-for-30 from the field.
Highlight Reel
Pau Gasol refuses to give up on the play
Series at a Glance
Game 1: Bulls 103, Bucks 91
Game 2: Monday, April 20, 8 p.m. ET
Game 3: Thursday, April 23, 8 p.m. ET
Game 4: Saturday, April 25, 5:30 p.m. ET
Game 5*: TBD
Game 6*: TBD
Game 7*: TBD