The Chicago Bulls take down their division rivals as they beat the Pacers 96-95. Fred Hoiberg opted to start Tony Snell to help Jimmy Butler with the task of defending Monta Ellis and Paul George.
Derrick Rose turned back the clock with his 23 points, six assists, and a couple of steals in just 33 minutes of action. However, Rose did tweak his ankle in the fourth quarter which kept him from returning. Rose was able to complete his free-throws and play one minute of game-play before exiting the game.
Jimmy Butler picked up the slack on offense as he poured in 17 points of his own with four assists. Butler was assigned to guard one of the league’s best in Paul George. Butler battled foul trouble the entire game. Butler had the game saving block on Paul George as time expired.
Taj Gibson came off the bench to provide the Bulls with a near double-double. Gibson grabbed 11 rebounds, scored nine points, and dished out five assists in 30 minutes of play.
The Chicago Bulls will play the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night to begin their annual circus trip.
