Bulls Steal Game 1 From Celtics

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Apr 19, 2009 12:42PM

Playing in Boston against a team with a much better record, the Bulls were given little chance of winning their playoff opener -- even if the Celtics were playing without Kevin Garnett. But the Bulls surprised many when they upset the defending NBA champs 105-103 in overtime Saturday afternoon, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the series and stealing home court advantage away in the best-of-seven series.

Leading the way for the Bulls was rookie Derrick Rose, who didn't show any of the butterflies one might expect in a playoff debut. Rose scored 36 points and dished 11 assists. He shot 12 of 19 from the field and a perfect 12 of 12 from the free throw line. His 36 points equaled Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for most in a playoff debut.

Rose had some help, however. Ben Gordon scored 20 points, Tyrus Thomas contributed 16 -- including 6 of the team's 8 in OT -- and Joakim Noah grabbed 17 rebounds.

The Bulls jumped out to an early lead before Boston tied things up at the end of the first quarter. A run midway through the second quarter helped the Bulls take a nine point lead into halftime. Even after Boston closed in on the Bulls, they didn't wilt. They fought to send the game into overtime, and held off the Celtics to eek out the two point upset.

Can the Bulls win both games in Boston? The two teams face off again Monday night before the series moves to Chicago.