Sunday 29 April 2012

Bulls Win But Lose Rose

Photo: Landov
Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose will miss the rest of the NBA season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Rose was helped off the court late in Chicago's 103-91 playoff-opening victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, a staggering blow for a team eyeing a championship run.

He scored 23 points and was playing more like the league's reigning MVP after missing 27 games because of injuries during the regular season, but his season came to an end as the Bulls were wrapping up an impressive win.

Rose crumbled to the ground after he drove the lane with about 1:20 left and the Bulls leading by 12. He was going for a layup when he came to a jump-stop and seemed to change his mind as the 76ers' Spencer Hawes and Lavoy Allen rotated over, passing off to a teammate before an awkward landing.

Medical personnel tended to Rose for several minutes as he was writhing in pain near the baseline before helping him to the locker room. Rose was taken to the hospital, where MRI results confirmed the Bulls' worst fears.

In the game, Rose found his touch after a slow start and also contributed nine rebounds and nine assists. Richard Hamilton added 19 points, Luol Deng scored 17 and Joakim Noah (12 points, 13 rebounds) had a double-double for Chicago.

Elton Brand led Philadelphia with 19 points. Jrue Holiday scored 16, and Thaddeus Young had 13 points. Chicago product Evan Turner scored 12 and was booed mercilessly after acknowledging he thought the Miami Heat would be a tougher first-round matchup.



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